Robert Griffin III, Joe Biden React to Brittney Griner Conviction

Former Baylor Bear and WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on Thursday, following her conviction on drug smuggling charges. 

Soon after her sentencing, reactions began to pour in from around the world, including from United States President Joe Biden, who admonished the Russian recision.

"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. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible," President Biden said in his statement.

Griner's legal team released a statement on the ruling, as well, noting their plan to file an appeal with the court. 

"We are very disappointed by the verdict. As legal professionals, we believe that the court should be fair to everyone regardless of nationality. The court completely ignored all the evidence of the defense and, most importantly, the guilty plea. This contradicts the existing legal practice. Taking into account the amount of the substance (not to mention the defects of the expertise) and the plea, the verdict is absolutely unreasonable. We will certainly file an appeal."

Former Baylor quarterback legend Robert Griffin III also spoke on the Griner ruling as well, voicing his disapproval of the court's decision. 

It remains to be seen in the U.S government will follow through with a potential prisoner swap to get Griner released.

The former Baylor star was the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. As a WNBA Champion, eight-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist, she's started all 254 games in her WNBA career while averaging 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.8 blocks on 56 percent shooting.

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