Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner will be spending nine long and hard years in one of the harshest prisons in the world. News reports around the globe confirmed recently that Griner has been shifted to the IK-2 penal colony in Mordovia.

Inhumane working hours, hostile inmates, abusive guards and other adverse conditions prevalent in Russian penal colonies could plague Griner during her stay . To add to her problems, her sexuality and nationality can make other prisoners treat her differently. Moreover, according to a recent report based on the findings of a Russian researcher, even her height might be a problem in the dreaded penal colony.

Brittney Griner will face all types of problems for being different

Ever since her days at Baylor University, Brittney Griner has been very proud of her sexuality. More often than not, this has landed her in trouble but never discouraged her.

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She will be facing similar problems as she prepares to serve nine years in Russia. Earlier this year, officials detained her when they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Subsequently, a Russian court sentenced the Phoenix Mercury star to nine years in prison.

According to the aforementioned report, Griner will be treated differently because of her sexuality, nationality, and even stature. The report read, “Pallot and Zeleneva said it was difficult to predict how fellow prisoners would react to Griner, a tall, black, queer woman. “She will certainly be perceived as an exotic figure,” said Zeleneva.”

While her stature helped her become one of the best players in the WNBA, it might pose problems for Griner in prison. In any prison in the world, it is always advisable to blend in among inmates and not stand out. However, as a 6’8″ gay African-American woman, it will certainly be almost impossible for the 32-year-old to avoid standing out.

Griner’s physicality helped her dominate the WNBA

Brittney Griner was destined for greatness even before making her debut at the WNBA. Thanks to her 6-foot-8 inches frame, she dominated on the court. Unsurprisingly, she was drafted as the #1 overall pick during the 2013 WNBA draft.

In nine seasons, she has been selected as an All-Star on seven occasions. She averaged 17.7 points, 1.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds in nine seasons with the Phoenix Mercury.

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