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Brittney Griner pleads guilty as Russian court sentences her to nine years in jail

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Brittney Griner says she pled guilty in Russian court because parents raised her to ‘take responsibility’

Brittney Griner said she pled guilty in Russian court because her parents raised to her take ownership of her responsibilities, as she was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.

“I understand the charges that are against me, and that is why I pled guilty, but I had no intent to break any Russian laws. I made an honest mistake,” the athlete said.

The Phoenix Mercury player was found to be guilty of drug possession and smuggling with criminal intent on 4 August, and was also fined one million rubles (around £13,650).

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