31 Year old Griner admitted possessing cannabis oil but told the court she made an honest mistake
But the court convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics, and gave her close to the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.
Griner is a double Olympic gold medalist and is considered one of the best players in the world.
She was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.
US President Joe Biden called the sentencing unacceptable.
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