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)
A Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years in prison after months of legal proceedings. The 8-time WNBA All-Star, and 2-time Olympic Gold medalist, was found guilty of drug charges.
The WNBA and NBA have joined forces in an effort to bring her back home. Several athletes have spoken out in support of Griner’s release. Brianna Turner, her Phoenix Mercury teammate, has been vocal in support for Griner ever since she was detained at a Russian airport and was accused of trying to smuggle cannabis oil.
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Many pro-Griner messages have been met with mockery throughout social media platforms. However, Brianna Turner had grown tired of the hateful trolling and decided to strike back.
“I don’t have the capacity to respond to every hateful message about Brittney Griner,” she tweeted. “I think it’s easy to be an outsider and wish the worst. It’s easy to not know all the facts. It’s easy to spread hate on social media. I know many Americans lack compassion due to all the chaos that happens regularly in our country.”
I don’t have the capacity to respond to every hateful message about Brittney Griner. I think it’s easy to be an outsider and wish the worst. It’s easy to not know all the facts. It’s easy to spread hate on social media. I know many Americans lack compassion due to all the chaos
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) August 4, 2022
She added, “BG is my friend and teammate and one of the kindest people I know. Even before being detained in Russia she would receive hate from trolls bc they didn’t like her looks or what she supported. Yet she continuously held her head high.”
I would love to individually respond and annihilate every negative viewpoint I receive but that would be a waste of my time. At the end of the day many people lack compassion & critical thinking skills and it’s not my responsibility to teach that. Respectfully, get a life trolls.
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) August 4, 2022
“I would love to individually respond and annihilate every negative viewpoint I receive but that would be a waste of my time. At the end of the day many people lack compassion & critical thinking skills and it’s not my responsibility to teach that. Respectfully, get a life trolls.”
Brittney Griner might still return to home soil
Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9-years in prison; however, she might still make a return to the United States. A potential prisoner exchange might do the trick. In return for Griner and another US citizen detained in Russia, the US authorities proposed to release a Russian arms trafficker before the final verdict.
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Notwithstanding this, the trial went through as scheduled, and the WNBA star was found guilty. The US will surely demand for her release, but Russian authorities appear to be taking their time.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Brittney Griner Case: What Have LeBron James, Stephen Curry And Other NBA Stars Said?
According to reports, the Russian authorities offered a counteroffer. The US authorities are thought to be considering that offer, which would bring Griner back home.
