Brittney Griner Pleads Guilty on Drug Charges in Russia, May Face 10 Years in Prison

WNBA player Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court on Thursday.

She was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport in February after she was accused of having drugs in her suitcase. She has been held for over a year.

"I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said Thursday, per Reuters. "I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare."

There is a chance of up to 10 years in prison.

ESPN's T.J. Quinn noted the guilty plea could be part of a legal strategy to accelerate the negotiations between Russia and the United States surrounding her release:

T.J. Quinn @TJQuinnESPN

to bring her home in a prisoner swap. There was a recognition that she will have to admit guilt before Russia agrees to a deal to send her home. Pleading now, it was thought, would get that out of the way and possibly help move negotiations forward. /3

More information and analysis will be provided soon.

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