Brittney Griner has finally found her freedom and is currently on her way home from the UAE. The WNBA star was released as a part of a one-for-one prisoner swap deal in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. However, the State Department failed to secure the release of retired US marine Paul Whelan; who was included in the original deal offered by the US in July. As a result, several critics have questioned the decision made by the Biden Administration. Recently, Michael Jordan’s cynic Nick Wright lashed out at the critics of Brittney Griner on Twitter.
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The Fox Sports commentator Nick Wright is infamous for his dislike for Michael Jordan. He has received a lot of backlash from NBA fans; for disrespecting the Chicago Bulls legend on several occasions.
READ MORE: Still Jailed in Russia, Ex-Marine Paul Whelan?s Family Breaks Silence on Brittney Griner?s Release
Recently, Wright took a dig at the critics who spoke against the release of Brittney Griner, considering Paul Whelan’s still stuck in Russia.
Nick Wright attacks Brittney Griner’s critics
Nick Wright shared a tweet by Fox News’ Nick Kalman, comprising a statement from the Whelan family. The renowned sportscaster was unhappy about critics who belittled the big moment for Brittney Griner and the country.
Wright wrote,?“For Folks who haven’t spared a single thought about Paul Whelan, except for at this very moment to try to minimize the release of Brittney Griner, here’s what *his own family* thinks of her release.”
For folks who haven’t spared a single thought about Paul Whelan, except for at this very moment to try to minimize the release of Brittney Griner, here’s what *his own family* thinks of her release. https://t.co/LLnVa8TNKT
— nick wright (@getnickwright) December 8, 2022
He condemned the Griner’s critics, who downplayed BG’s release by referring to the statement from Paul Whelan’s family.
What did the Whelan family say about Griner’s release?
In the statement, the Whelan family celebrated Griner’s freedom. They stated that there was no ‘greater success’ than bringing a ‘wrongful detainee’ home. The Whelan family supported POTUS Joe Biden’s decision to make the deal; rather than waiting for Russia to agree on Paul Whelan’s release; which was probably not going to happen.
Meanwhile, Paul Whelan remains stuck in Russia for nearly four years. The former US marine was arrested back in 2018 under espionage charges. After his conviction, Whelan was sent to a prison colony in Mordovia to serve a 16-year sentence.
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Elsewhere, President Biden reassured during the White House press conference that Paul Whelan has not been forgotten. He promised that the State Department will continue to fight for the former US marine’s freedom.
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Thus, Nick Wright seemed to be unimpressed by people who have been devaluing Griner’s release; because of the disappointing result for Paul Whelan.