A Year After Willing to Put His “Life on the Line” for Brittney Griner Prison Release, Roy Jones Jr. Casually Asking President Vladimir Putin for Russian Citizenship Over Tea Resurfaces

Almost a year ago, the sports fraternity was biting its nails over the Brittney Griner controversy. The 32-year-old is an NBA basketball player but made headlines for being detained in Russia. In February of last year, she flew to Russia from New York and got caught with alleged traces of hashish oil. The same was forbidden in Russian law and a trial commenced. A few weeks later, she was sentenced to nine years in prison.

However, she was released after Russia agreed with the United States to swap prisoners. Moreover, legendary boxer, Roy Jones Jr. made his willingness to help evident. But how would have a retired boxer assisted in this case? Let’s find out.

Throwback to the time Roy Jones Jr. attempted to raise his voice for Brittney Griner’s prison release

At the time, many athletes came together to support the NBA star and fight for her release, including Jones Jr. Intriguingly, the former heavyweight champion holds dual citizenship of Russia and the United States. He was trying his hardest to initiate talks with the government officials of Russia to negotiate for a release. In addition, he actively wanted to go to Russia himself to get her released.

In an interview, he vehemently stated, “Would I put my life on the line, take a chance to go to Russia to exchange prisoners? Yes, I would,” He added, “Because if [Brittney] was my daughter, I would want somebody to do the same thing for me.”

Eventually, she was released. His commitment to helping other athletes is laudable. Moreover, after this entire debacle, a video resurfaced in the boxing world in which Jones Jr. is seen trying his best to get a Russian passport.

Jones Jr. attempts to get a Russian passport from Vladimir Putin

The reason behind Jones Jr. wanting Russian citizenship was unveiled back in 2015. According to planet sport, Jones Jr. wanted to be a citizen of Russia to prevent any tension between the country and the United States of America and pleaded for them to be on friendly terms. In a throwback video posted by @BoxingKingdom14,  Jones Jr. can be seen making his case to Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin for getting a Russian passport to “do business” in the country. The post stated, “Flashback to Roy Jones Jr. Jr. asking Putin for a Russian passport over tea!”

Read more: Roy Jones Jr. Names a “Real Good Fight for the Sport” Currently

It would be safe to say that Jones Jr. is more than just a retired boxer. He also wants to contribute to strengthening the diplomatic relationship between the USA and Russia. Moreover, we are curious to know, what do you make of him stepping up and helping Griner at the time? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.