Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia has led to doubts in the minds of WNBA stars who seek employment in foreign leagues during the offseason. The Phoenix Mercury center spent ten months in Russia being detained under drug possession and smuggling charges. The White House finally secured Griner’s release as a result of a prisoner swap deal with Russia. Following BG’s fiasco, WNBA star Napheesa Collier has taken a massive decision despite Russia’s $1 million lure.

Many WNBA stars have been flying to foreign countries over the years seeking more money than they are paid in the WNBA. Brittney Griner traveled to countries like China and Russia since 2013 to make more money during the WNBA offseason.

Moreover, the two-time gold medalist once admitted to making around $1 million per season playing in Russia. Thus, the financial lure from the Russian league has always enticed players from the WNBA.

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Brittney Griner went to Russia in February to play for her Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg. However, she was taken into custody when she landed at the Moscow Airport. The customs officials reportedly found vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil in her luggage.

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After months of detention, Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison. In November, her appeal was denied and she was sent to a penal colony in Mordovia. The 2014 WNBA champ spent a little over a month in the IK-2 penal colony. At last, she was released in exchange for Viktor Bout on December 8.

The accounts of Griner’s traumatic experience have deterred Napheesa Collier from playing in foreign leagues, despite the decision costing her money and playing time.

During an interview, Napheesa Collier stated, “Yeah, I mean it’s really scary. And, you really have to evaluate, anyone who wants to go overseas, what it’s gonna look like. And Russia was a big market and so a lot of money to be had there. But you have to look at, their rules are a lot different than ours, their laws. And, For me, it’s just not worth it.”

Collier clarified that other players might have a different opinion. However, she had a family to look after. So, she was not willing to risk her life while playing on foreign soil for the sake of money.

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Thus, the experience that Brittney Griner had in Russia has forced the Collier to consider playing in a foreign league despite the lure of making millions.