A Russian judge found Griner, 31, guilty on Thursday, August 4. She was sentenced to nine years of prison time and a fine of 1 million rubles (approximately $16,400), according to CNN.
The professional basketball player was previously arrested at a Moscow airport in February
At the time, Russian officials alleged that Griner smuggled hash oil cartridges in her luggage before subsequently arresting her.
During the court proceedings on July 7, Brittney pleaded guilty to drug charges. "I'd like to plead guilty, your honor," she told the judge at the time, per Reuters. "But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law."
Hours earlier on Thursday, Russian prosecutors asked the court to sentence Brittney to nearly 9.5 years in custody. The Texas native, for her part, addressed the court for a final time and apologized for what she called a "mistake."
"I never meant to hurt anybody," Brittney said on Thursday, according to CNN. "I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population. I never meant to break any laws here. I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here."
She issued an apology to her teammates, club and fans for "my mistake that I made" and "the embarrassment that I brought on them." She added, "I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home."
