via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
The State Department has issued stern warnings against traveling to Russia in the wake of the Brittney Griner situation. However, recent reports have revealed that dozens of American players have opted to play in the top Russian pro league amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow. As a result, experts have criticized players still choosing to play in Russia after the prolonged detention of Brittney Griner in a Russian penitentiary.
The relations between Russia and America have been volatile since Russia’s offensive in Ukraine earlier this year. In fact, the Russian authorities have been accused of wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner and using her as a geopolitical pawn following her arrest in February on drug trafficking charges.
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Meanwhile, the American government hasn’t declared an embargo on citizens traveling to Russia. However, experts have issued strong warnings regarding entering Russian territory in the current situation.
More than 30 players called out for opting to play in Russia next season
USA TODAY Sports have managed to identify at least 31 men and one woman who have pledged to play in Russia in the upcoming season. In recent years, it had become customary among American hoopers, especially women, to play for Russian teams during the offseason for better pay.
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However, the Brittney Griner situation has severely damaged such arrangements. But some players have still chosen to play in the Russian league despite the risks involved.
“I think we should be boycotting the place. It’s not right. We shouldn’t support it no matter how much money it is. To sign new deals is totally disrespectful to Brittney Griner and to USA women’s basketball,” Goodwin said.
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) September 2, 2022
Meanwhile, basketball executives and security experts have strictly cautioned against such decisions. “I think we should be boycotting the place. It?s not right,” stated NBA agent Aaron Goodwin.
“We shouldn?t support it no matter how much money it is. To sign new deals is totally disrespectful to Brittney Griner and to USA women?s basketball,” he added.
Many of the Americans who are committed to Russian teams have never played in that league before. Trisonya Thompson Abraham, a veteran women's agent, said players choosing to go are “playing Russian roulette, no pun intended.”
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) September 2, 2022
Goodwin alerted the NBA Players? Association after Russian teams and agents displayed interest in one of his clients this summer. In addition, Dr. Dani Gilbert, a hostage negotiation and foreign policy expert, has strictly advised Americans to not play for Russian teams.
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The Brittney Griner Situation
Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia has now spanned over six months. Washington is still trying to broker a deal with the Kremlin to facilitate the 31-year-old hooper’s release.
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Till then, the Phoenix Mercury star faces dismal living conditions in a Russian penal colony. The negotiations for Griner’s release are taking place through a reliable classified channel, as per Russian requests.
