Brittney Griner sentenced to nine years in prison for drug-smuggling, possession

Brittney Griner has been convicted by a Russian court of smuggling drugs with criminal intent, CNN reports.

The Mercury star was arrested at a Moscow airport in February and accused of having hashish oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty to the drug charges in July and could have received a penalty of up to 10 years in prison as a result. During sentencing, Russian prosecutors asked for Griner to receive 9 1/2 years in prison.

Griner’s defense attorneys have argued that she used cannabis for medicinal purposes and that she had no intention of breaking the law when she arrived at the airport.

Before the verdict was announced, Griner confirmed that she wasn't trying to break the law.