Brittney Griner has recently begun her nine-year sentence in the IK-2 penal colony in Russia’s Mordovia. The WNBA star is potentially dealing with some of the harshest conditions in the world. In Mordovian penal colonies, forced labor, malnutrition and abuse from prison guards are extremely common. Meanwhile, the US government has been working to secure the release of Griner as she adapts to the horrific conditions of her penal colony. Amid the state of disappointment, an American prisoner in Ohio has penned down an open letter to Brittney Griner to show his support and offer the troubled athlete some helpful advice.
The Ohio prisoner named Jason Goudlock is serving a long sentence of 34 years for aggravated robbery and felonious assault. Back in 2014, Goudlock received media attention after his surprising letter to the Ohio Parole Board. He requested parole to be able to see LeBron James play for his home team the Cleveland Cavaliers once again. Meanwhile, Griner also commented on his unique request which lead to more public attention.
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American prisoner advises Brittney Griner to find strength
During the tough times for Brittney Griner, Goudlock wrote that he was concerned about the injustices she was being subjected to in Russia. He offered the WNBA star solidarity and advised her to stay strong like former South African president Nelson Mandela.
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Further, Jason Goudlock tried to remind Brittney Griner about her inner strengths. Goudlock wrote,?”Like myself, you are a strong person and a phenomenal athlete, and I want to remind you that you possess an internal, glowing-red, Venus-and-Serena, Mike Tyson-like strength to overcome anything!”
The longtime LeBron James fan advised Griner to look for strength within herself. He also suggested BG to find her ‘on switch’ and do what is needed to protect herself.
What did Griner say about Goudlock?
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Jason Goudlock made a request to the Ohio parole board requesting an opportunity to watch LeBron James play. Griner was asked about her opinion on Goudlock’s plea. However, the WNBA star did not seem to agree with the unique parole request. Instead, she said, “Get him a TV, in the cell. Get him a TV in the cell for him.”
Goudlock reminded Griner of her comments from 2014 in the letter. He also claimed that the widely publicized comment from Griner was reported ‘out-of-context’ by many media sources.
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However, despite the difficulties in the past, Goudlock took the opportunity to show his support to Brittney Griner and hoped that she gets freed soon.