Speaking through an interpreter, Griner told the court “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law.”
She is claiming she had packed in a hurry. The trial was then adjourned.
Griner’s guilty plea is believed to be used by her advisers to expedite the court proceedings. And as a strategy by attorneys.
Under current Russian law, there is a 99% conviction rate.
Deborah Jackson recruited Griner when she was still in high school. And coached the All American till she signed to play at Baylor University.
“In my opinion, I think her legal team advised her to plead guilty because she was going to be found guilty no matter what she pleaded,” Jackson says.
“It frustrates me that she’s caught in this almost unwinnable situation. I don’t believe that she had the drug paraphernalia — I think it was planted, myself. Brittney is an intelligent young lady.”
Jackson emphasized that Griner has been playing for many years in Russia during the WNBA off-seasons.
