Phoenix Mercury Brittney Griner Russia Ukraine Sporting basketball 1 Phoenix Mercury Brittney Griner Russia Ukraine

Brittney Griner trial: Russian prosecutors ask for 9 1/2-year sentence, WNBA star apologizes

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Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. WNBA star Brittney Griner’s drug trial in Russia entered its closing arguments on Thursday as she awaits her fate after pleading guilty to cannabis possession after oils derived from cannabis were discovered in her bag at a Moscow airport in February.

Russian prosecutors asked the court to hand Griner a 9.5-year prison sentence. The defense then started its arguments. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison.

Griner offered an apology ahead of the sentencing. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them," she said. "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." She added: "Hope in your ruling it does not end my life." Griner was arrested in February ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although her arrested and detainment did not initially come to light until early March.

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, right, enters a cage in a courtroom prior to a hearing in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug.

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