Anxiety and uncertainty grow after basketball star Brittney Griner’s arrest in Russia

(CNN)The arrest of two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist Brittney Griner has left supporters anxious about her well-being and fearful that she might become a political pawn.

Russian authorities said Griner had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance — an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

It’s still not clear exactly when Griner was arrested last month, or where she’s being detained now.

But escalating tensions between the US and Russia over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stoked concerns that getting Griner out of Russia will be “very difficult.“‘She’s been there for quite some time’

Adaora Elonu, a former WBNA player who has also played in Russia, said she was “extremely worried” about Griner.

Griner’s whereabouts aren’t publicly known. CNN has reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment but has not heard back.

credit CNN By Travis Caldwell and Holly Yan, CNNUpdated 9:54 PM EST, Tue March 08, 2022