WNBA star Satou Sabally brought up Shaquille O’Neal to highlight Brittney Griner’s unfair imprisonment in Russia. In fact, the Dallas Wings forward mentioned the Big Diesel to underscore the stark contrast in treatment female players receive, compared to their male counterparts. In fact, Sabally claimed that if Shaquille O’Neal were in a similar predicament he would have returned home safely by now.

Sabally’s comments come in the wake of Brittney Griner’s ongoing trial in Russia. Earlier this year, the Phoenix Mercury star had been apprehended by the Russian authorities for possession of restricted substances. Griner is still undergoing trial for charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison.

Meanwhile, the eight-time WNBA All-Star has already pleaded guilty to the charges levied against her. But she’s still waiting for the court’s verdict.

WNBA star claims Shaquille O’Neal would have received better treatment

The entire country has been waiting impatiently for the release of Brittney Griner. However, Russia’s offensive against Ukraine earlier this year has complicated the process of Griner’s release.

In other words, the war in Ukraine has heavily deteriorated relations between America and Russia. In fact, the United States has led the process of imposing sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Read More: ?If It Was LeBron James Or Stephen Curry??: WNBA Star Scrutinizes US Government For Bias In Treatment Of Brittney Griner?s Russian Detention Case

Meanwhile, American authorities have faced criticism for failing to bring the 2014 WNBA champion home. Some WNBA players have also pointed out the disparity in treatment between male and female stars.

“Let?s be honest“, said Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally. “If this was Shaq, he?d be home.”

Another Wings player expressed a similar opinion. “This shows how women are fighting for equality and we still have to fight even when it?s an American stuck in a Russian jail,? said Arike Ogunbowale in an interview.

?If this is LeBron James or Steph Curry, they?d be home.? she added.

Brittney Griner’s trial continues

Russia reportedly may agree to release the 31-year-old star in exchange for Russian nationals currently held in American prisons in a prisoner exchange. However, it is uncertain whether there’s any realistic chance of that occurring.

Watch This Story: How Many 40-point Games Does Michael Jordan Have?

What do you think of Sabally’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.