The fate of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner rests with the Russian legal system. This week, Griner is expected to learn the punishment for the crime to which she confessed at a July 7 hearing: entering Russia with vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Griner and her legal team argued, with evidence, that Griner was prescribed the oil to relieve pain resulting from chronic injury. Griner said she packed in a hurry and included them inadvertently. 

If convicted, Griner faces a potential 10-year prison sentence. The conviction rate in Russia is 99%.

Ahead of her trial’s conclusion, the women’s basketball community, especially those folks with ties to Russia, issued pleas for mercy. Reigning MVP Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun took to Instagram to implore Russia to uphold the sanctity of sport and the great memories she and Griner cultivated while playing as teammates for UMMC Ekaterinburg.

“I’ve spent the last 5 years playing in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg,” Jones wrote. “My time there was amazing and extremely fulfilling and I’ll always be thankful for the memories and friendships I made along the way. One of those friends and teammates is Brittney Griner.” 

Jones touted Griner’s seven Russian league titles and four EuroLeague championships, all with UMMC, and the pride they shared in bringing title glory to Russian fans.

“This is why today I am asking that out of respect for the sanctity of sport and in honor of all our great experiences competing in Russia and around the world, that you show her mercy and understanding with your verdict on Friday.”

[Jonquel Jones: 'Please be kind and show mercy to BG']

Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, played in the WNBA and Russia during her active years. The undrafted guard out of Colorado State became a basketball phenom professionally and sought Olympic glory with the Russian national team when USA Basketball did not extend an invitation to her. Hammon acquired Russian citizenship and helped Russia to win a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

In an interview with Reuters, Hammon called on Putin and Russian authorities to reunite Griner safely with her family in the U.S. “If that was your daughter or your sister or your wife or whoever, you can imagine the agony that you'd be going through waiting,” Hammon said. “Enough is enough.”

The highest-paid coach in WNBA history also noted that the outcome of Griner’s case has potentially far-reaching ramifications for women’s basketball worldwide. Thus, she called on Russia to “do the right thing,” and bring Griner home.

“We’re asking for leniency,” Hammon said. “We’re asking for grace.” 

[Exclusive: Coach Hammon, once a star in Russia, urges Putin to free Brittney Griner]

Diana Taurasi, the leading scorer in WNBA history and teammate to Griner with the 2014 title-winning Phoenix Mercury, earned her wealth in Russia. Taurasi famously sat out the 2015 WNBA season to rest, at her Russian team’s behest, so that she would be ready to vie for Russian and EuroLeague championships. 

“We called Russia our second home for many years,” Taurasis told Reuters. “I ask, for the sanctity of sport, to have mercy and understanding for our beloved Brittney Griner.” 

[Photo courtesy of Jonquel Jones via Instagram.]