Brittney Griner Pleads Guilty in Russian Court, Brings Photo of Wife

The basketball player pled guilty to the charges in a Russian court. She told the judge that there was no intent. I wanted to stay within the law.

The English language was used to translate the speech to the court. She said she would like to testify later. Time is needed to prepare. Since she was pleading guilty, it's not clear what she's talking about. The testimony could include a sentence.

There will be a hearing on July 14. He could face up to 10 years in prison. On the same day that President Biden said he was stepping up efforts to win her release, there was a plea for her to be freed.

She brought a photo of her spouse with her when she was in court in Russia.

You can see in her hand that she has a photo of Cherelle Griner in her hand.

The picture appears to be a screen grab from one of Cherelle's television interviews.

As she was about to enter the courthouse, she held out the paper and stared at the people who were waiting for her.

She had a stern look on her face as she wore a red shirt and sweats.

The loud-and-clear message from Brittney came just one day after both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Cherelle.

White House officials said that Biden and Harris assured Cherelle that they were working to secure her release as soon as possible.

Shortly after the call, Cherelle said in a statement that she was "grateful" for the U.S. officials' contact.

She is facing up to 10 years in a Russian prison for having drugs in her luggage at a Moscow airport in February.

The story was originally published at 6:34 AM.