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The True Story Behind ‘One Night in Miami’
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Brotha at the head of the Webb Space Telescope Project
He from VA too.. He Fixed NASA’s Giant Space Telescope, Reluctantly Gregory Robinson was enjoying another job when NASA persuaded him to take on an enormous astronomy project that was billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. Gregory L. Robinson, director for the James Webb...
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He Fixed NASA’s Giant Space Telescope, Reluctantly (Published 2022)
Gregory Robinson was enjoying another job when NASA persuaded him to take on an enormous astronomy project that was billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule.
Gregory Robinson, James Webb Space Telescope Program Director | Science Mission Directorate
Mr. Gregory L. Robinson is the Deputy Associate Administrator for Programs in the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD). He is responsible for assessing NASA programs, projects and institutions for technical and cost effectiveness, quality, and performance. He also coordinates program and...
Timeline of Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia: Griner found guilty, sentenced to 9 years
By Shannon Ryan
Jun 14, 2022
The WNBA season began without one of its biggest stars.
Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been detained in Russia since February, when she was taken into custody at an airport. She has played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Euroleague during the WNBA offseason since 2015.
Authorities allege they found vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in her luggage. Griner, 31, is under criminal investigation for “large-scale transportation of drugs,” which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years. Reports note her trial could begin in about two months.
Griner’s fans, teammates and the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support for the center. The U.S. State Department has demonstrated increasing pressure for her release.
Though much of Griner’s detainment has been shrouded in secrecy, here’s a timeline of the events that have been reported:
Aug. 4: Griner found guilty, sentenced to 9 years
A Russian court found Griner guilty of drug smuggling and possession charges and sentenced her to 9 years, according to multiple reports. Griner faced up to 10 years in prison.
In closing arguments earlier in the day, Russian prosecutors asked that she be sentenced to 9 1/2 years.
July 28: Russia says no deal yet
No agreements have been made on a prisoner swap involving Griner, Russia said according to multiple reports. The Kremlin’s response is on the heels of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying the U.S. offered a deal to Russia for the release of Griner and Paul Whelan, both of whom are Americans detained in Russian prisons.
July 27: Griner testifies, U.S. offers deal
Griner testified in a Russian court, and the U.S. announced it has offered a deal to Russia to bring her home.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as part of the deal, the U.S. is also hoping to secure the release of Paul Wheland, who was arrested in 2018 in Russia on espionage charges and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Whelan has said he is innocent.
“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release,” Blinken said at the State Department.
Blinken said he requested a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will bring up the proposal to free Griner and Whelan.
During her ongoing trial in Russia, Griner testified that her rights were not read to her when she was detained in February at a Moscow area airport, according to reports.
She said she did not receive access to lawyers or an explanation of her rights. She also noted the interpreter provided to her did not provide a full translation, the Associated Press reported. Griner said she was instructed to sign documents without being given an explanation of what they entailed, according to reports.
July 26: Cannabis prescribed as painkiller, defense argues
Testimony in Griner’s ongoing trial focused on Griner’s use of cannabis as medicinal and not recreational, according to the Associated Press. This testimony coupled with Griner’s admission that she had vape canisters containing hashish oil are focused on in the hopes of Griner receiving a lighter sentence, the report said.
“We are not arguing that Brittney took it here as a medicine. We are still saying that she involuntarily brought it here because she was in a rush,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said, according to the report. “The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States. It was prescribed by a doctor.”
July 21: Russian officials call ‘wrongful detention’ claim disrespectful
A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. description of Griner’s imprisonment as a “wrongful detention” disrespects Russian law, according to ESPN.
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson, said any legal status of cannabis in parts of the U.S. does not apply to what takes place in Russia. “If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington,” Zakharova said, according to the report.
July 15: Lawyers present doctor letter at trial
Griner’s attorneys showed a letter in Russian court that revealed doctors recommended she use cannabis for pain, according to reports. Her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, told the Associated Press: “The permission was issued on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health.”
The hearing was scheduled to continue on July 26.
July 14: Witnesses testify in trial
Two people from the Russian basketball team Griner plays for in the WNBA offseason testified on her behalf, according to Reuters. UMMC Ekaterinburg director Maxim Ryabkov and team captain Yevgenia Belyakova spoke about Griner’s good character, the report said. Her trial is set to resume Friday.
July 7: Griner pleads guilty
Griner pleaded guilty in a Russian court to drugs charges, according to Reuters.
“I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner said, speaking English which was then translated into Russian for the court, according to the report. Her trial began July 1, and her next court hearing is scheduled for July 14, Reuters reported.
July 6: Biden speak with Griner’s wife
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner. The President pledged his support to Griner, whom he said “is wrongfully detained in Russia under intolerable circumstances.”
July 4: Griner writes letter to White House
Griner asked for President Joe Biden’s assistance in securing her release in a letter sent to the White House, according to multiple reports.
A portion of the letter was released by Griner’s representatives. According to reports, she wrote: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
July 1: Griner’s trial begins
Griner’s trial began where she was accused of carrying vape cartridges with traces of cannabis oil. The prosecutor said it amounted to 0.7 grams, according to the New York Times. Wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt, Griner sat in the defendant’s cage. She told a reporter that detention was difficult because of the language barrier and a lack of exercise, according to Reuters.
The state-owned Russian news agency Tass reported Griner said she understood the charges but would provide a response later. The trial is scheduled to continue July 7.
June 27: Trial date set for July 1
Griner’s criminal trial was scheduled by a Russian court to start July 1, according to the Associated Press.
The court also extended Griner’s detention for another six months following her appearance at a preliminary hearing, and it ordered Griner to remain in custody for the entirety of her trial. AP photos showed her being led into court wearing handcuffs.
June 14: Griner’s pre-trial detention extended 18 more days
A Russian court extended Griner’s pre-trial detention for 18 more days, according to a report from TASS. Per the Russian state-owned news agency, the extension is at “the request of the investigation.”
June 13: State department, Mercury officials meet
Officials from the U.S. State Department and the Phoenix Mercury met about Griner’s continued detention in Russia, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic. The meeting included representatives from the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, the spokesperson said, but added no other details.
May 25: Griner’s wife talks to ‘Good Morning America’
Cherelle Griner tells “GMA” she would like to see the U.S. government follow through on its statement that the WNBA star’s release is a priority.
“I just keep hearing that he (President Joe Biden) has the power,” Cherelle Griner told “GMA’s” Robin Roberts. “She’s a political pawn so if they’re holding her because they want you to do something then I want you to do it.”
May 18: Embassy denied visits to Griner
The U.S. Embassy said Russian authorities have denied American officials three times in May from visiting Griner and called for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide timely consular access.
Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, tweeted that her client is “being used as a political bargaining chip.”
May 13: Griner denied home detention
Griner briefly appeared in court. A judge denied a request to move Griner to home detention. Griner’s lawyer, Alexander Boykov, told The Associated Press that her detention had been extended by a month. The New York Times reported he expected a trial in about two months.
May 6: WNBA tips off without its star
The WNBA season started without Griner. All 12 home courts honored Griner with a floor decal that showed her initials and No. 42. Fans at some games held signs in support of Griner.
Decals supporting Griner appeared on every WNBA court. (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)
May 3: Griner deemed ‘wrongfully detained’
For the first time, the U.S. government said it considers Griner to be “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government. The move meant the government could now be involved in negotiating her release.
The WNBA also announced it would provide roster and salary cap relief so the Mercury could bring on a replacement player and Griner will be able to receive her full salary.
April 27: Former Marine’s release raises hopes
The Biden administration announced Trevor Reed, a former Marine who had been in Russian custody since 2019, was released in a prisoner exchange. ESPN reported that Griner’s camp saw his release as a positive sign for Griner’s future.
March 23: Griner meets with U.S. officials
U.S. consular officials visited Griner in Russia for the first time after pressing for access to her. A State Department spokesperson confirmed she was well. It was noted her cell bunk is about a foot too short for her 6-foot-9 frame.
Griner reportedly communicated with family via her attorneys.
March 17: Detention extended
A TASS report noted Griner’s detention would be extended until May 19. The report said the extension was meant to allow the legal team time to investigate.
A CNN report said a source noted Griner’s legal team had frequent contact with her and that she was well.
March 8: Undated photo of Griner released
CNN reported Griner’s booking photo had recently aired on Russian state TV. The undated photo showed her standing against a wall and holding a piece of white paper with what appeared to be her name written on it. It was reportedly taken at a Moscow police station.
March 7: ‘Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated’
Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, posted on Instagram, thanking fans for their support of Griner. “Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely,” her post read.
March 6: All other American WNBA players safe
A WNBA spokesperson said all league players other than Griner had left Russia and Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country. Several American players, including reigning MVP Jonquel Jones and Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot, play for the same team.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken was cautious as he addressed Griner’s arrest during a news conference but said America is “ready to provide every possible assistance” for detained Americans in Russia.
“We’re doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected,” he said.
March 5: Video of Griner at airport surfaces
The New York Times and Russian News agency TASS first reported that Griner was detained. The customs service released a video of an individual at the airport who appeared to be Griner, wearing a Black Lives for Peace sweatshirt and rolling her luggage through security. The video appears to show her bags being searched. Reports said she was being criminally investigated for drug trafficking.
The arrest became national news and speculation arose about the high-profile arrest as tensions escalated between Russia and the U.S.
Feb. 17: Griner’s detained in Russia
It wasn’t known at the time, but according to Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who spoke on March 9 about Griner, this was the date Griner was detained after customs officials at a Russian airport near Moscow said they found hashish oil in her luggage.
theathletic.com
By Shannon Ryan
Jun 14, 2022
The WNBA season began without one of its biggest stars.
Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been detained in Russia since February, when she was taken into custody at an airport. She has played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Euroleague during the WNBA offseason since 2015.
Authorities allege they found vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in her luggage. Griner, 31, is under criminal investigation for “large-scale transportation of drugs,” which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years. Reports note her trial could begin in about two months.
Griner’s fans, teammates and the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support for the center. The U.S. State Department has demonstrated increasing pressure for her release.
Though much of Griner’s detainment has been shrouded in secrecy, here’s a timeline of the events that have been reported:
Aug. 4: Griner found guilty, sentenced to 9 years
A Russian court found Griner guilty of drug smuggling and possession charges and sentenced her to 9 years, according to multiple reports. Griner faced up to 10 years in prison.
In closing arguments earlier in the day, Russian prosecutors asked that she be sentenced to 9 1/2 years.
July 28: Russia says no deal yet
No agreements have been made on a prisoner swap involving Griner, Russia said according to multiple reports. The Kremlin’s response is on the heels of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying the U.S. offered a deal to Russia for the release of Griner and Paul Whelan, both of whom are Americans detained in Russian prisons.
July 27: Griner testifies, U.S. offers deal
Griner testified in a Russian court, and the U.S. announced it has offered a deal to Russia to bring her home.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as part of the deal, the U.S. is also hoping to secure the release of Paul Wheland, who was arrested in 2018 in Russia on espionage charges and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Whelan has said he is innocent.
“We put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate their release,” Blinken said at the State Department.
Blinken said he requested a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will bring up the proposal to free Griner and Whelan.
During her ongoing trial in Russia, Griner testified that her rights were not read to her when she was detained in February at a Moscow area airport, according to reports.
She said she did not receive access to lawyers or an explanation of her rights. She also noted the interpreter provided to her did not provide a full translation, the Associated Press reported. Griner said she was instructed to sign documents without being given an explanation of what they entailed, according to reports.
July 26: Cannabis prescribed as painkiller, defense argues
Testimony in Griner’s ongoing trial focused on Griner’s use of cannabis as medicinal and not recreational, according to the Associated Press. This testimony coupled with Griner’s admission that she had vape canisters containing hashish oil are focused on in the hopes of Griner receiving a lighter sentence, the report said.
“We are not arguing that Brittney took it here as a medicine. We are still saying that she involuntarily brought it here because she was in a rush,” defense attorney Alexander Boykov said, according to the report. “The Russian public has to know, and the Russian court in the first place has to know, that it was not used for recreational purposes in the United States. It was prescribed by a doctor.”
July 21: Russian officials call ‘wrongful detention’ claim disrespectful
A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the U.S. description of Griner’s imprisonment as a “wrongful detention” disrespects Russian law, according to ESPN.
Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson, said any legal status of cannabis in parts of the U.S. does not apply to what takes place in Russia. “If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with the fact that she was smuggling drugs, and she does not deny this, then this should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in San Francisco, New York and Washington,” Zakharova said, according to the report.
July 15: Lawyers present doctor letter at trial
Griner’s attorneys showed a letter in Russian court that revealed doctors recommended she use cannabis for pain, according to reports. Her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, told the Associated Press: “The permission was issued on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health.”
The hearing was scheduled to continue on July 26.
July 14: Witnesses testify in trial
Two people from the Russian basketball team Griner plays for in the WNBA offseason testified on her behalf, according to Reuters. UMMC Ekaterinburg director Maxim Ryabkov and team captain Yevgenia Belyakova spoke about Griner’s good character, the report said. Her trial is set to resume Friday.
July 7: Griner pleads guilty
Griner pleaded guilty in a Russian court to drugs charges, according to Reuters.
“I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner said, speaking English which was then translated into Russian for the court, according to the report. Her trial began July 1, and her next court hearing is scheduled for July 14, Reuters reported.
July 6: Biden speak with Griner’s wife
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner. The President pledged his support to Griner, whom he said “is wrongfully detained in Russia under intolerable circumstances.”
July 4: Griner writes letter to White House
Griner asked for President Joe Biden’s assistance in securing her release in a letter sent to the White House, according to multiple reports.
A portion of the letter was released by Griner’s representatives. According to reports, she wrote: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
July 1: Griner’s trial begins
Griner’s trial began where she was accused of carrying vape cartridges with traces of cannabis oil. The prosecutor said it amounted to 0.7 grams, according to the New York Times. Wearing a Jimi Hendrix T-shirt, Griner sat in the defendant’s cage. She told a reporter that detention was difficult because of the language barrier and a lack of exercise, according to Reuters.
The state-owned Russian news agency Tass reported Griner said she understood the charges but would provide a response later. The trial is scheduled to continue July 7.
June 27: Trial date set for July 1
Griner’s criminal trial was scheduled by a Russian court to start July 1, according to the Associated Press.
The court also extended Griner’s detention for another six months following her appearance at a preliminary hearing, and it ordered Griner to remain in custody for the entirety of her trial. AP photos showed her being led into court wearing handcuffs.
June 14: Griner’s pre-trial detention extended 18 more days
A Russian court extended Griner’s pre-trial detention for 18 more days, according to a report from TASS. Per the Russian state-owned news agency, the extension is at “the request of the investigation.”
June 13: State department, Mercury officials meet
Officials from the U.S. State Department and the Phoenix Mercury met about Griner’s continued detention in Russia, a State Department spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic. The meeting included representatives from the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, the spokesperson said, but added no other details.
May 25: Griner’s wife talks to ‘Good Morning America’
Cherelle Griner tells “GMA” she would like to see the U.S. government follow through on its statement that the WNBA star’s release is a priority.
“I just keep hearing that he (President Joe Biden) has the power,” Cherelle Griner told “GMA’s” Robin Roberts. “She’s a political pawn so if they’re holding her because they want you to do something then I want you to do it.”
May 18: Embassy denied visits to Griner
The U.S. Embassy said Russian authorities have denied American officials three times in May from visiting Griner and called for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide timely consular access.
Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, tweeted that her client is “being used as a political bargaining chip.”
May 13: Griner denied home detention
Griner briefly appeared in court. A judge denied a request to move Griner to home detention. Griner’s lawyer, Alexander Boykov, told The Associated Press that her detention had been extended by a month. The New York Times reported he expected a trial in about two months.
May 6: WNBA tips off without its star
The WNBA season started without Griner. All 12 home courts honored Griner with a floor decal that showed her initials and No. 42. Fans at some games held signs in support of Griner.
Decals supporting Griner appeared on every WNBA court. (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)
May 3: Griner deemed ‘wrongfully detained’
For the first time, the U.S. government said it considers Griner to be “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government. The move meant the government could now be involved in negotiating her release.
The WNBA also announced it would provide roster and salary cap relief so the Mercury could bring on a replacement player and Griner will be able to receive her full salary.
April 27: Former Marine’s release raises hopes
The Biden administration announced Trevor Reed, a former Marine who had been in Russian custody since 2019, was released in a prisoner exchange. ESPN reported that Griner’s camp saw his release as a positive sign for Griner’s future.
March 23: Griner meets with U.S. officials
U.S. consular officials visited Griner in Russia for the first time after pressing for access to her. A State Department spokesperson confirmed she was well. It was noted her cell bunk is about a foot too short for her 6-foot-9 frame.
Griner reportedly communicated with family via her attorneys.
March 17: Detention extended
A TASS report noted Griner’s detention would be extended until May 19. The report said the extension was meant to allow the legal team time to investigate.
A CNN report said a source noted Griner’s legal team had frequent contact with her and that she was well.
March 8: Undated photo of Griner released
CNN reported Griner’s booking photo had recently aired on Russian state TV. The undated photo showed her standing against a wall and holding a piece of white paper with what appeared to be her name written on it. It was reportedly taken at a Moscow police station.
March 7: ‘Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated’
Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, posted on Instagram, thanking fans for their support of Griner. “Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely,” her post read.
March 6: All other American WNBA players safe
A WNBA spokesperson said all league players other than Griner had left Russia and Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion of its neighboring country. Several American players, including reigning MVP Jonquel Jones and Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot, play for the same team.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken was cautious as he addressed Griner’s arrest during a news conference but said America is “ready to provide every possible assistance” for detained Americans in Russia.
“We’re doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected,” he said.
March 5: Video of Griner at airport surfaces
The New York Times and Russian News agency TASS first reported that Griner was detained. The customs service released a video of an individual at the airport who appeared to be Griner, wearing a Black Lives for Peace sweatshirt and rolling her luggage through security. The video appears to show her bags being searched. Reports said she was being criminally investigated for drug trafficking.
The arrest became national news and speculation arose about the high-profile arrest as tensions escalated between Russia and the U.S.
Feb. 17: Griner’s detained in Russia
It wasn’t known at the time, but according to Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who spoke on March 9 about Griner, this was the date Griner was detained after customs officials at a Russian airport near Moscow said they found hashish oil in her luggage.
Brittney Griner timeline: Mercury star targeted in Dallas airport incident
The two-time gold medalist has been held in Russian custody since February.
theathletic.com
Why don't they have that same energy for the 1/6 insurrectionist? People died and they came a lot closer to derailing the government than the black panthers ever dreamed. This country is doomed if they can't/won't recognize their real enemies within.
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