Brittney Griner of the United States pled guilty to a drug offence in a Russian court on Thursday, although she denied breaking the law on purpose.
Griner's attorney, Alexander Boykov, told reporters that his client was seeking for the most merciful sentence available.
Griner informed the court, via an interpreter, that she had no intention of committing a crime.
"Brittney Griner is still unlawfully imprisoned in Russia, and nothing today changes that 140 days later," Englebert stated.
Griner's WNBA club also conducted a public rally in favour of the 6-foot-9 centre, with several hundred fans in attendance.
Griner's attorney, Alexander Boykov, told reporters that his client was seeking for the most merciful sentence available.
The rally at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury and Suns, was half celebration and part call to action for Griner's achievements on and off the court.
Griner's Russian legal team said that the plea was "her choice informed by consultations with her Russian legal defence team."