Russell showed as much love and respect to younger players as they showed to him. Some, like Charles Barkley, referred to him simply as “Mr. Russell.”

The W.N.B.A. star’s legal team has argued that have argued that the American basketball star did not intend to smuggle drugs into Russia.

Griner, the W.N.B.A. star, has been detained in Russia since February. The N.B.A., which founded the women’s league in 1996, has said it is working behind the scenes to help Griner.

Griner, the W.N.B.A. star, has been detained in Russia since February. The N.B.A., which founded the women’s league in 1996, has said it is working behind the scenes to help Griner.

The Kardashians of Norway are middle-distance runners who have competed on the global stage. But it’s Jakob, 21, who transformed from onetime prodigy to generational talent.

Griner, the W.N.B.A. star, pleaded guilty to drug charges in Russia on Thursday. But her supporters are still determined to fight to bring her home.

Her plea came hours after a Russian diplomat said that publicity around the basketball player’s case was not helping her interests.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris told Cherelle Griner they would pursue “every avenue” to bring her wife, Brittney Griner, home from Russia.

Courts in Russia heavily favor the prosecution, experts said, pointing to a prisoner swap as perhaps the W.N.B.A. star’s best chance to come home.