American basketball star Shaquille O’Neal commented on the arrest of Brittney Griner and pointed out the need to consider the laws of other countries while abroad. He expressed his opinion on The Big Chair Breaker podcast.
“Yes, here [in the US] the stuff that Griner was punished for is legal. But wait until you’re at home. Know where you are and know their laws. This kind of thing happens everywhere and all the time,” he stated.
Earlier, on August 4, the Khimki City Court sentenced Brittney Griner to nine years in a penal colony and a fine of 1 million rubles for drug smuggling.
It is noted that the prosecutor requested a 9.5 year minimum security colony and a fine of RUB1 million for the athlete. In turn, the defence asked for an acquittal or a more lenient sentence.
Griner, a two-time Olympic basketball champion on the US national team, was detained by customs officers at Sheremetyevo airport in February. She was found in possession of vape tubes containing cannabis oil. On July 7, the athlete pleaded guilty in full and said that she had no intent to commit a crime.