According to a report in the New York Times on Saturday, Russian customs officials have been detaining a female basketball player after finding drugs in her luggage at an airport near Moscow.
The Russian Federal Customs Service said on Saturday that it found oil from cannabis in the luggage it searched and that it could be charged with a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The customs service identified the person as a player for the U.S. women's team but did not specify the date of her detainment.
The video was released by the customs service and shows a person going through airport security.
Lindsay Kagawa Colas, the agent for the player, said that they are aware of the situation with the player in Russia and are in close contact with her.
The State Department warned Americans not to travel to Russia because of the risk of harassment.
Nine days after Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine, another "do not travel" advisory was issued.
An increasing number of airlines are canceling flights into and out of Russia, and many countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines, according to a security alert sent out by the United States embassy in Moscow. U.S. citizens should consider leaving Russia immediately.
In the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, the players in Russia have left the country. The league's players who were competing in Russia or Ukraine this winter are no longer in those countries, according to a spokeswoman.
We are aware of the situation in Russia with one of our members. The WNBA players union said in a statement that they were concerned about the safety and well-being of the player. We will look forward to her return to the U.S.
Cherelle thanked people for their prayers and support in a post on Saturday night.
She thanked everyone who reached out to her regarding her wife's safe return from Russia.
Like many of her peers, she has played overseas in the winter.
The league said in a statement that its main priority was to have Britney return to the United States quickly.
The Phoenix Mercury lost to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals last year. She won two gold medals for the United States in the Olympics in 2016 and 2021.
Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns.
The Mercury said they were in constant contact with both the NBA and the WNBA.
The Mercury said in a statement that they love and support her, and that their main concern is her safety, physical and mental health.
The players in Russia were working to get out of the country, according to Mike Cound.
I've been on the phone with two players in the past few minutes. It is urgent that there is a dwindling number of flights leaving Russia, and they are going to be hard to get real soon.
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