“Let’s Get Marine Paul Whelan Home..”: Hours After Brittney Griner Release, Ex-Ravens QB Presents a Strong Pitch for Former US Marine Arrested Four Years Ago

Thursday, December 8, 2022, marked an important day for the Joe Biden Administration. It was the day President Biden secured the return of WNBA star Brittney Griner from her detainment in Russian custody. The pro basketballer was accused of possession of drugs when cannabis cartridges were found on her along with a recreational vape at a Moscow airport. As per reports, the Russians blew her situation out of proportion. 

Famous NFL athletes took to their platform to express their opinions on the situation. Many showered support for Griner, while some were left in disbelief. Robert Griffin III was also quick to talk about this.

Brittney Griner steps out free

Griner was just one of many Americans serving time in Russian custody. Being a WNBA athlete, the return of Griner was of top priority to the Americans.

Read More: “Where She Belongs”: Draymond Green, Scottie Pippen and NBA World Sound Off on Brittney Griner’s Release

As she marked her return to American soil, many Americans rejoiced while some raised questions about a former Marine who has been serving time in Russia since 2018 on false charges. 

While the return of an innocent civilian should be celebrated unconditionally, the situation was twisted as the Americans had to release the Russian ‘Merchant of Death.’ The accused was charged by the UN for aiding civil wars in Africa and being responsible for the death of millions. The trade for him and Griner was not a like-for-like situation, and that is what pinched most Americans. In some cases, it was enough for them to forget to sympathize with the pro-baller.

NFL community speaks up

Ex Ravens’ QB Robert Griffin III also chimed in on this situation. He was one of the many NFL entities who voiced their opinion on this. While some were in utter shock and failed to sympathize with Griner, RG3 was very mindful about celebrating her return while also speaking about Paul Whelan, who longs for his return. His tweet caught some attention, as fans had their opinions about the situation as well. 

This fan thinks the uproar was not about prioritizing her for being a celebrity but because of race.

Another fan related this trade deal with that of Russell Wilson. They think Paul Whelan deserved to be back before her.

This fan showed no mercy towards Griner as they cited an old episode of her bashing her country.

This fan called it an L for the USA as they think the priorities of the administration weren’t right.

No matter what the noise is, the Griner family will celebrate having their girl back. Meanwhile, Americans and the Whelan family will rally behind the Biden Administration to recover the former Marine. He has waited four years already. Time will tell how much longer he has to wait.

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