?My Brother Is in Belarus?: Brittney Griner?s Arrest Makes Athletes Conscious of Russia?s Friendly Neighbor

The arrest of Brittney Griner and the ongoing war in Ukraine has made athletes question their safety while playing in Russia. WNBA athletes have boycotted the country in protest and many have refused to go to play in the Russian league. But there are a few who are going to visit Russia’s friendly neighbor without any fear.

Griner was arrested in February for drug trafficking charges. The same month, Russian armed forces launched an offensive in Ukraine. And many countries in the world advised their citizens not to go to Russia. Athletes and organizations of different sports have boycotted Russia. The players who were already there were rushed back home with urgent care. And the situation doesn’t look like it might ease up anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Russian sports are taking a major hit. WNBA stars have refused to come to play. At the same time, many hockey players have not accepted Russian offers, despite being offered loads of money. But amidst all this, there seems to be a small country that has turned out to be a new landing spot for many overseas players.

Belarus emerges as an alternative amid the Brittney Griner saga

With athletes boycotting Russia, its close neighbor Belarus has emerged as an alternative. The country is close to Russia but it is still not the mainland. And they have many hockey clubs based there.

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A coach of the NHL, Jay Woodcroft has his brother Craig Woodcroft currently coaching a KHL team in Belarus. According to him, “With what’s going on in the world obviously, we’re paying attention to that for sure. My brother is in Belarus, so it’s not the big Russian mainland, but they play in that league. He’s carved a good career for himself there at a high level in the KHL.”

Belarus is a sovereign country. But they have pledged their allegiance to Russia in its war in Ukraine. Moreover, many believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin has significant influence over the country’s executive decisions. Therefore, both Canadian and American governments have warned their citizens against visiting Belarus.

While there are a lot of athletes who have boycotted Russia, there is still a handful who have gone to play in the country. Several men’s basketball players and some former NBA players have gone to play in the Russian league. Several Canadians are currently playing in the Russian KPL.

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These athletes understand the risk they are putting themselves in but they also need to provide for themselves and their families. What’s your opinion on the whole issue? Let us know in the comments.