The basketball world came to a standstill when WNBA star Brittney Griner went to her trial in Russia. Being detained for months, she pleaded guilty in court to bringing illegal narcotics into the country. However, despite having no prior knowledge of the laws, a Russian court sentenced Griner to nine years in prison.
The sentence led to a statement by US President Joe Biden, who called it, “unacceptable“. Since then, Griner’s homeland has been on a mission to bring her back home. A potential prisoner swap for her and another American citizen currently held in Russia is reportedly in the works.
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However, there could be another alternative. Speaking to VladTV, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas felt Russia won’t keep Griner in prison for the duration of her sentence. According to him, they might use the eight-time All-Star to coach their budding basketball stars.
Brittney Griner to coach basketball in Russia?
Sentenced to a Russian penal colony, Griner is subject to doing common inmate tasks. However, there may be a special reservation for Brittney Griner to use her elite basketball skills. And Agent Zero shed light on his theory. The former Washington Wizards guard believes she is more valuable to Russia as compared to the USA. Calling her the “best player” there, Arenas thinks Russia has plans for Griner to take a coaching role.
He said: “She’s more valuable to Russia than she would be to us. She’s your golden goose. I don’t see you holding her in jail for f****** nine years. I’m gonna call your bluff. I want to see you hold her in jail for nine years, the best player in that country. Nah.”?
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As crazy as it seems, Arenas has history backing him up. This wouldn’t be the first time an athlete would be able to use their skills to their benefit. Previously, soccer players Alexander Kokorin and Pavel Mamayev faced a similar situation. While serving in one of the colonies. the two used to teach their profession to fellow inmates.
As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former WNBA champion, Griner is regarded as one of the best in history. She is well versed in the sport and can probably do a good job as a coach.
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While reports may lean towards her taking the role of the coach, only time will tell the true nature of her sentence. Do you think Brittney Griner will become a coach while serving her sentence in Russia? Let us know your views in the comments below.