WNBA star swapped for Viktor Bout in prisoner exchange

Dec 8, 2022 8:22 AM EST

ABC News,

Moscow, Russia (ABC News)– The U.S. has swapped WNBA star Brittney Griner for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to a senior U.S. official.

The basketball star was taken into custody at a Moscow area airport earlier this year in possession of vaping cartridges containing hashish oil, an illegal substance in Russia.Griner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Justin FishelMark Osborne

USC Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, who has been a vocal advocate for Griner’s release tweeted the following the announcement.