“I’ve Had Canadian and American Clients Turn Down Massive Amounts of Money”: Brittney Griner’s Arrest Has an Unexpected Impact on Russian Hockey

Ever since the arrest of Brittney Griner, athletes from all around the world are turning down offers to go to Russia. Some are even rejecting huge contracts. Even the Canadian government has advised its hockey players to avoid playing in Russia and Belarus amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Russian authorities detained Griner for carrying cannabis oil in her belongings. In the same month, Russia launched an offensive in Ukraine which severely deteriorated its relations with the West. Since then, major athletes from different sports are boycotting Russia. Some organizations have even removed Russia from competing in their tournaments. And WNBA players have made it abundantly clear that would not return to play in Russia until the release of Brittney Griner.

And despite all of this, there are still a lot of players from Canada who are currently playing in the Russian Hockey League. In fact, there is a total of 48 players from Canada who are playing in the KHL.

Agent says US and Canadian players rejected offers amid Brittney Griner saga

This number is down from last year as 53 players were practicing their trade in the KHL the previous year. This was reduced after a Finland-based team pulled out of the league. But despite advice from the Canadian Government, many players are still playing in the league. The Canadian government has issued two statements on two separate dates and advised the players to return back home for their safety.

READ MORE: After Brittney Griner’s “Character” Got Questioned by Some Critics, Legendary WNBA Voice Makes Bold Claim on Russian Court System

An agent named Ritchie Winter has several clients and a few players currently playing in the league. He says the players understood the risk, and they decided to stay back. He said, “There were a number of players caught in the crosshairs last year when all of this happened. They stayed and didn’t see any risk. “

However, he also said that there were a tons of opportunities that were rejected. He added, “Everybody has a different risk profile. I’ve had Canadian and American clients turn down massive amounts of money compared to what they’ll make here.”

WATCH THIS STORY: WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s saga in Russia the entire timeline

Many countries have advised their citizens to avoid traveling to Russia and the Canadian government is no different. However, the players have understood what’s at stake for them and they are going there to provide for themselves and their families. But there are still many players who have avoided playing in Russia.