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)
It has been over 200 days since the arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia. And the fans want to know what is next for the towering center. Earlier this year, she was detained for possession of cannabis in a Russian airport. Subsequently, Griner pleaded guilty but was still sentenced to nine years in a Russian penitentiary. Many fans and celebrities felt that the sentencing was harsh and showed their outrage. The U.S. government is still considering her as detention as ‘wrongful.’ However, things have not improved for the Phoenix Mercury star.
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There were suggestions for a prisoner swap between both countries. As per reports, Washington had offered Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, former U.S. Marine. However, there has been no new information on this. So people are concerned that there are no improvements even after 200 days.
Now, author Dave Zirin has shown his frustration about the whole ordeal. He believes the country and the people should step up the efforts to bring Griner back home. Also, he questioned the stance of former president Donald Trump in Griner’s detainment. He wrote that Trump would not have reacted this way if it was NFL superstar Tom Brady instead of Griner.
Celebrities show support for Brittney Griner
According to sportswriter Dave zirin, “This is shocking, and if Tom Brady were arrested under the same circumstances, these same people would be calling for the Navy Seals to secure his release.”?
Also, a lot of fans have shown their disappointment with the efforts to bring back the former WNBA champion. Here are some of the reactions:
"if Tom Brady were arrested under the same circumstances [as Brittney Griner] these same people would be calling for the Navy Seals to secure his release." –@EdgeofSports https://t.co/RBT77nxqwR
— Rafael Shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) September 7, 2022
#FreeBrittneyGriner 202 days my sister and friend @brittneygriner has been wrongfully detained in a Russian prison. Now is the time to get her out! It is time! Love you BG. #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/dCb2ZCcRTI
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) September 7, 2022
200 DAYS. Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia for 200 days & counting. This #LaborDay I stand in support of BG & call on those in power to do everything they can to get her home safely & swiftly. #UnionStrong@brittneygriner #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/ZtSRprp9Nl
— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) September 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/SIfill_/status/1567352130637283328?s=20&t=pCe5pYyDOqwh0aeZEUg3Uw
Seriously, any updates on Brittney Griner? #FreeBrittneyGriner
— uché blackstock, md (@uche_blackstock) September 5, 2022
It has been 202 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG
— Stewie (@breannastewart) September 8, 2022
200 days 💔 that’s how long @brittneygriner has been illegally detained. Prayer warriors please continue to lift her and her family up! @POTUS @VP Please keep working on her behalf🙏🏾
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) September 5, 2022
Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in a Russian prison for 199 DAYS. @WhiteHouse @POTUS @VP, bring BG home. #BringThemHome #WeAreBG
— Natalie Achonwa (@NatAchon) September 4, 2022
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Earlier, NBA superstar LeBron James showed his frustration with the efforts of the country to get her back home. He said that she might feel the country does not have her back.
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Despite all the outrage from many fans and celebrities, not everyone is convinced that an arms dealer should be let go. Earlier, NBA veteran Enes Kanter Freedom admitted that the 9-year sentence is harsh and said that he wants the center back home. However, he added that the country cannot send the arms dealer who is responsible for many lives to Russia. Freedom said that it is not a fair trade.
