To preface this article I would like to say that this is not a political blog. However, after watching a section of the ESPYS on the twentieth dedicated to Brittney Griner, I felt led to write an article detailing the situation abroad, including why Griner is getting exactly what she deserves.
The main sports media has taken the perspective that Griner should be released immediately, allowed to return to the United States, and allowed to compete in the rest of the WNBA season. This, however, is not the case, as Griner has gotten exactly what she deserves and should not be allowed to use her celebrity status to squirm free of punishment.
Image via ELLE
As a quick rundown on her career in the WNBA, Griner is a six-time all-star, two-time defensive player of the year, and won the WNBA Championship in 2014. She has consistently averaged double digit points and has been a key player on the Phoenix Mercury her whole career. Outside of the WNBA Griner has had success in the FIBA World Championships and has even won a gold medal in Rio during the 2016 Olympics.
Image via Los Angeles Times
However impressive her resume, it would all come crashing down in early 2022. Griner would be caught smuggling hash oil, an illegal substance in both the USA and Russia, into Russia and would be detained by the police there. Eventually, she pleaded guilty to all charges and is faced with ten years in Russia's federal prison system. At her current age of thirty-one, ten years in prison probably means the end of her career.
Image via Outsports
The U.S. Senate has created a bipartisan effort to have Griner released. However, it is not going to work. Russia has a very strict government that will not show mercy to a public figure of one of its biggest enemies. Russia can both hold this as a grudge against the United States and have an upper hand when it comes to bargaining. The other crazy thing is that Griner's colleagues in the WNBA as well as athletes from across other leagues all want Griner released. Even though she has done something illegal, they believe that her status exempts her from punishment. This, however, goes against both America's judicial system and most people's moral standards.
Image via CNN
Griner smuggled drugs and will pay the consequences. However tragic her detainment may be, it is the right thing to show that status does not excuse someone from the consequences of their actions. Brittney Griner had a very successful career in the WNBA, however, her tragic decision to break the law will probably end her days on the court.
Comments