The hip-hop community, apart from the world of basketball and entertainment, is startled to discover that WNBA player Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia for drug possession. The punishment is deemed too harsh, and perceived as screaming loud of politics.
According to NBC News, Griner was sentenced in a Moscow tribunal on Thursday, August 4th. Judge Anna Sotnikova sentenced the basketball star to nine years in prison for cocaine possession and smuggling after she pleaded guilty last month.
The punishment is close to the maximum of 10 years permissible for the accusations, which come from Griner's February arrest at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport with cannabis oil in her luggage.
On social media, the hip-hop community is discussing the harsh punishment.
50 Cent commented a video of the announcement on Instagram that the verdict is "wild" and added that noe one should ever be caught up in politics because their lives can be ruined. He cannot believe Griner can get 10 years just for a "vape pin watch."
"Free BG ... let's fight for her!!!!!!!" Meek Mill announced on Twitter, which rallied also many of his followers to say the same.
Additionally, the always-vocal Boosie BadAzz gave his opinion as well, which was written in all caps to emphasize how shocked he was.
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"9 YEARS FOR A DAM WEED PEN ️like wtf," he commented. "IM STAYING MY BOOSIE BADAZZ N THE STATES this fucked up."
The verdict has reached the highest echelons of government, with President Joe Biden requesting Griner's release in a statement.
"Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," Biden said in a statement shortly after the verdict was announced. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates."
The WNBA also issued a statement in response to the verdict.
"Today's verdict and sentencing is unjustified and unfortunate, but not unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongly detained," it reads. "The WNBA ad NBA's commitment to her safe return has not wavered and it is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home to the United Staes."
The legal team of Griner intends to appeal the verdict. Earlier on, celebrities and singers also expressed their shock and offered to help if they could to free Griner. Justin Bieber is one of them.
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