Brittney Griner’s Friday hearing put on hold for more time to prepare

(KYMA, KECY/ NBC News) - Proceedings were set to resume Friday in Russia for American basketball star Brittney Griner, who pleaded guilty to drug charges last week.

But Friday's court hearing was brief and has been continued until July 26th.

The WNBA star's legal team says they need more time to prepare Griner for the next phase of her trial.

During proceedings Griner's defense has submitted more documents to the court, including around 20 character references from different charities and sporting organizations, as well as medical records purporting to show Griner's history of injuries that have resulted in severe chronic pain.

Griner's lawyers also submitted a document granting permission for the use of cannabis for medical purposes to treat severe chronic pain issued by Arizona's Department of Health.

Griner was arrested in February at Moscow's airport after Russian authorities said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage.