WNBA Player Brittney Griner detained in Russia for drug paraphernalia

[Politic Negro]

America has failed Brittney Griner
Why does one of the best basketball players in history have to play ball in Russia anyway?
By
Jesse Spector

Today 10:42AM

Brittney Griner should be at home right now.

Nobody should be jailed for cannabis in the first place, either in Russia or here. Nobody should be detained for three weeks over hashish oil in their luggage at the airport. should be held prisoner as a means to apply diplomatic pressure, as it appears Russia is doing in detaining a high-profile American athlete as a response to the United States backing Ukraine’s resistance to Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

And Griner isn’t just a regular American. The 31-year-old is a future Hall of Famer, a champion in both college and the pros, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, part of the WNBA’s 25th anniversary team, and the first player to dunk in the WNBA playoffs. She’s also a prominent Black lesbian, and Putin’s record on both race and sexuality is nightmarish.

So, the most important thing is making sure that Griner gets home safely. But Griner should be home right now.

The United States is the richest country on the planet and Earth’s most dominant force in women’s basketball. Yet Griner, one of the very best the game has ever seen, has spent years in China and Russia, playing during the WNBA offseason because those countries pay better. If anything, Griner and many others are playing in the WNBA during the European offseason, not the other way around.

This is not a new phenomenon. Becky Hammon, born and raised in South Dakota, college star at Colorado State, and WNBA star with New York and San Antonio, played for Russia at the 2008 Olympics, because she also starred for CSKA Moscow and Russia offered her citizenship to join their national team, and she was getting $500,000 a year to play there.

Even though the WNBA has the letters NBA, the league still isn’t even close to treating players as well as the foreign leagues. The WNBA is out here instead fining the Liberty a half-million bucks and threatening to kick New York out of the league over the team chartering flights so that players wouldn’t be subject to the whims of commercial aviation.

The best players in the world deserve to be able to play at home, not just have a stopover here during the summer, on break from the gig where they make their real money. Griner should have been getting what she’s worth from the Phoenix Mercury all along, not from UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Brittney Griner should be at home right now.

Deadspin | America has failed Brittney Griner

Deadspin | America has failed Brittney Griner

deadspin.com

 

[God-Of-War-420]

80k? Shut yo broke ass up. She makes closer to 2 million there. And the season started long before any real threats of war existed. Once they become valid threats she attempted to leave. Thats when she was popped. Who knows if it was there due to rushing to gtfo or if it were planted. Good luck to her tho.

2mil? Lmao

America has failed Brittney Griner
Why does one of the best basketball players in history have to play ball in Russia anyway?
By
Jesse Spector

Today 10:42AM

Brittney Griner should be at home right now.

Nobody should be jailed for cannabis in the first place, either in Russia or here. Nobody should be detained for three weeks over hashish oil in their luggage at the airport. should be held prisoner as a means to apply diplomatic pressure, as it appears Russia is doing in detaining a high-profile American athlete as a response to the United States backing Ukraine’s resistance to Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

And Griner isn’t just a regular American. The 31-year-old is a future Hall of Famer, a champion in both college and the pros, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, part of the WNBA’s 25th anniversary team, and the first player to dunk in the WNBA playoffs. She’s also a prominent Black lesbian, and Putin’s record on both race and sexuality is nightmarish.

So, the most important thing is making sure that Griner gets home safely. But Griner should be home right now.

The United States is the richest country on the planet and Earth’s most dominant force in women’s basketball. Yet Griner, one of the very best the game has ever seen, has spent years in China and Russia, playing during the WNBA offseason because those countries pay better. If anything, Griner and many others are playing in the WNBA during the European offseason, not the other way around.

This is not a new phenomenon. Becky Hammon, born and raised in South Dakota, college star at Colorado State, and WNBA star with New York and San Antonio, played for Russia at the 2008 Olympics, because she also starred for CSKA Moscow and Russia offered her citizenship to join their national team, and she was getting $500,000 a year to play there.

Even though the WNBA has the letters NBA, the league still isn’t even close to treating players as well as the foreign leagues. The WNBA is out here instead fining the Liberty a half-million bucks and threatening to kick New York out of the league over the team chartering flights so that players wouldn’t be subject to the whims of commercial aviation.

The best players in the world deserve to be able to play at home, not just have a stopover here during the summer, on break from the gig where they make their real money. Griner should have been getting what she’s worth from the Phoenix Mercury all along, not from UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Brittney Griner should be at home right now.

Deadspin | America has failed Brittney Griner

Deadspin | America has failed Brittney Griner

deadspin.com

 

[TENT]

Very sad situation but she should have been smarter. Does seem like she has a lick of sense.
Now she is out there on her own during the wrong time....

 

[TheBigOne]

She’s a 7+ foot lesbian in a women's prison, right?

 

[smoovejazz]

Maybe the WNBA should look to Becky Hammon, the new Vegas coach. Remember, Putin personally fast-tracked her citizenship so that she could play for Russia in the Olympics a few years back. She might be able to help Griner (although Griner plays for Phoenix, one of Vegas's biggest rivals).

EDIT: Nevermind, it was discussed in the article above. But it looks like the best chance for Griner to be released.

 

[HUFF]

These young mothafukers wasnt exposed to Locked up Abroad.

 

[a1rimrocka]

2mil? Lmao

You do realize Becky Hammon played in Russia almost 15 yrs ago right?

Griner was making 'just under $1M' over there in 2016 and is around $1.5M now... a far cry from that 80k BS

http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/st...rasi-opted-play-russia-money-escape-spotlight
This is Griner's first season in Russia after playing the previous two winters in China. Taurasi has played all over Europe: four seasons with Spartak Moscow; one with Fenerbahce Istanbul; one with Galatasaray Medical Park (also in Turkey); and here since 2012. Her travels have exposed her to the complicated nature of the women's basketball business model overseas. Some teams, such as Galatasaray, are part of a larger club structure that includes a lucrative soccer team. This would be like if the Dallas Cowboys, in an effort to expand their brand, operated volleyball and basketball teams. Other teams, mostly just in Russia, are funded by one rich owner who happens to enjoy women's hoops. Dozens of teams are funded in part by local governments, while other clubs, such as the one Taurasi and Griner now play for, are backed by a huge corporation. (UMMC is the second-largest copper producer in Russia and operates mines across Europe.)

To be clear, UMMC has not developed some winning algorithm for women's hoops popularity; tickets on the floor and in the lower bowl are just a few bucks, and tickets in the upper bowl are free. Some who attend the games truly enjoy women's hoops, but most just appreciate the possibility of free entertainment in a heated arena in the dead of winter.

In essence, the team is a form of advertising -- one that UMMC pays big bucks for. Griner will make a little less than $1 million this season, while Taurasi will make around $1.5 million. The former UConn star made headlines last spring when she decided to accept UMMC's annual offer, rumored to be more than $200,000, to not play the 2015 WNBA season. Her decision was a black eye for the WNBA, demonstrating that the league isn't the top priority for its marquee players. "It's all about right here," says Todd Troxel, an assistant for both UMMC and the Phoenix Mercury. "This is the big paycheck -- for all of us. We all love Phoenix, but ultimately it's all about here."

Mercury's Griner among WNBA players competing in Russia
Why are WNBA players in Russia? What you need to know
Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with fans following Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on Oct. 13, 2021. in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime.
CHRISTIAN PETERSEN/GETTY IMAGES

JENNA ORTIZ | ARIZONA REPUBLIC | 4 hours ago

You might have heard Phoenix center Brittney Griner is currently in the custody of Russian authorities in Moscow and is facing drug smuggling charges.

Authorities claim they found vape cartridges in her carry-on luggage last month, USA Today learned on Saturday.
But some are asking why Griner, a successful American athlete, was even in Russia during a time of upheaval.
Griner’s presence in Russia wasn’t a surprise as there were several WNBA players playing in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League during the WNBA offseason.

Griner was participating in her seventh season with UMMC Ekaterinburg. Griner began playing in Russia during the 2015-16 season.
Her reported arrest came several weeks before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Money is the obvious draw for WNBA players, and Griner had a million reasons to return to the league.
In Russia, Griner has made as much as $1.5 million a year, a much larger haul compared to her base salary of $215,000 last season for the Mercury. The maximum salary in the WNBA in the 2021 season was $221,450.

Russia has also been known to offer additional perks that are not provided in the WNBA like chartered flights, a personal driver, and other luxuries. The WNBA recently fined the New York Liberty $500,000 for violation of the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement for repeatedly chartering flights for the team.

 

[RAY V.]

Where was Russia getting money to pay these WNBA women million dollar contracts???

 

[a1rimrocka]

Where was Russia getting money to pay these WNBA women million dollar contracts???

This is Griner's first season in Russia after playing the previous two winters in China. Taurasi has played all over Europe: four seasons with Spartak Moscow; one with Fenerbahce Istanbul; one with Galatasaray Medical Park (also in Turkey); and here since 2012. Her travels have exposed her to the complicated nature of the women's basketball business model overseas. Some teams, such as Galatasaray, are part of a larger club structure that includes a lucrative soccer team. This would be like if the Dallas Cowboys, in an effort to expand their brand, operated volleyball and basketball teams. Other teams, mostly just in Russia, are funded by one rich owner who happens to enjoy women's hoops. Dozens of teams are funded in part by local governments, while other clubs, such as the one Taurasi and Griner now play for, are backed by a huge corporation. (UMMC is the second-largest copper producer in Russia and operates mines across Europe.)

To be clear, UMMC has not developed some winning algorithm for women's hoops popularity; tickets on the floor and in the lower bowl are just a few bucks, and tickets in the upper bowl are free. Some who attend the games truly enjoy women's hoops, but most just appreciate the possibility of free entertainment in a heated arena in the dead of winter.

In essence, the team is a form of advertising -- one that UMMC pays big bucks for.

Why are these WNBA stars in Russia? It's not just about the money

Unlikely comrades Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner play overseas for the money. As it turns out, they also simplify their lives.

www.espn.com

 

[jimmiewine]

side note, she has a topless pic:

May God damn your black soul to a thousand hells for posting this! I curse you!

 

[godofwine]

How does a bitch not have nipples

Like...at...all?

 

[Amajorfucup]

2mil? Lmao

She made $1.5 mil last year in Russia. Still laughing?

 

[Thegooch]

I have no idea why you quoted me and why you sound so angry.

Didn't now my words had volume. Nothing personal but I just dont agree with that POV.

When you posted, it doesn't sound like you were fully aware of the situation or the context of my post. Please study up on Jesse past hostage negotiations and you will start to get my point.

As 31 y/o Olympian with a professional career, having previous issues with the law she
should have been a lot more humble.

You were able to earn 2m a year in a homophobic country and not be cancelled, even though you are an ex con woman beater. You internationally travel under the protection if the same govt you said national anthem shouldn't be played before your games.

In short she bit a lot of hands that fed and protected her. Typical lack of awareness from someone unaware of their own vulnerability. The same routine a lot of women with a lot less status try to run. Claim they want to be protected by the same people they shit on.

Im also asking a valid question about where all her WNBA sisters/UDA soccer team in protest. Are they willing to give up a money and careers for their causes. VP Kamala Harris flew to Russia to check in her yet she is still in jail.

She's basically fucked unless Putin is overthrown and the Russian judicial system has a change of heart.

Her career is basically gone and 10 years of her life is down the tube out of pure arrogance. I hope she makes the best of it but shes a known fuckup who hasn't earned much simpacy other than similarities ethnicity.

 

[big enos burrnet]

Russia’s bombing niggas neighborhoods and homes but they’re worried about a vape pen?

Yes that was perfect timing,, putin bout to Jack home girl all around...all we can do is sit back and see what type of example he's
Going to make out of ol'brit ...

 

[snark9]

Dyke got caught with some weed.

It pays to be aware of, and follow another country's laws when you are abroad.

Play stupid games, and all that...

 

[TheFuser]

This is all kinds of fucked up. Sis is potentially about to be a pawn in a way bigger game that doesn't have shit to do with vape pens or basketball. Hope she's OK.

 

[militantmidget]

The best players in the world deserve to be able to play at home, not just have a stopover here during the summer, on break from the gig where they make their real money. Griner should have been getting what she’s worth from the Phoenix Mercury all along, not from UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Brittney Griner should be at home right now.

Yeah this is horseshit. They don't deserve to play here in America making the most $$ for their sport.

Tell this to the soccer players worldwide who play in Europe for the most $$$. Hell there are foreigners who come here to play basketball. You don't think Luka Doncic or Embid would love to play ball in Slovenia or Cameroon.

I'm tired of ppl crying about women's basketball here in America. It isn't a big sport here. Now that can definitely change and I'd welcome it. But they gotta stop bitching about the lack of pay compared to the NBA.

And I say all of this as someone who hopes they get more support and $$$. But crying about it isn't going to do anything.

 

[militantmidget]

The more I think about this the less I believe it.

The probably planted that shit on that schtud

It was in her carry on bag. Someone would've had to openly do it. No way anyone sneaks 3 packages of vapes in her bag and she doesn't know.

Shorty tried to pull a fast one, mind you she's a celebrity over there, so maybe she figured it was cool. But Russia isn't America. Especially now with America/NATO putting all these sanctions on Russia.

Unless Putin has a change of heart or America eases up on those sanctions, she finna do some time in prison over there.

I hope she's ok tho.

 

[dasmybikepunk]

She must not have played over long enough to establish citizenship and obtain a passport. Playing for Team USA and not a foreign National team is another reason why.

Russia granted it to Roy Jones, Jr. without a problem.

Thanks, I'm trying to figure does she benefit from a dual citizenship or is it worse?

 

[sammyjax]

It was in her carry on bag. Someone would've had to openly do it. No way anyone sneaks 3 packages of vapes in her bag and she doesn't know.

Shorty tried to pull a fast one, mind you she's a celebrity over there, so maybe she figured it was cool. But Russia isn't America. Especially now with America/NATO putting all these sanctions on Russia.

Unless Putin has a change of heart or America eases up on those sanctions, she finna do some time in prison over there.

I hope she's ok tho.

Damn I didn't realize it was cape carts. Can def believe that. Shoulda stuck em in her 26 in pussy lol

 

[djpolo]

side note, she has a topless pic:

Bra, I'd rather be like this than smash anything remotely close to that

 

[doug777]

Man, if this was Brady, u think it would take 3 weeks to surface?

If it was Brady, the talk of the town would be the drugs were planted but Black folks don't get the benefit of the doubt, even on a pro Black forum.

 

[pookie]

These young mothafukers wasnt exposed to Locked up Abroad.

that show was wild, stayed showing people getting hemmed up thinking they had gotten a “free vacation“

 

[militantmidget]

If it was Brady, the talk of the town would be the drugs were planted but Black folks don't get the benefit of a doubt, even on a pro Black forum.

Currently right now...Tom Brady would be in deep shit. Putin wouldn't let Brady go until them sanctions were lifted.

And no one planted drugs on Griner. They were in her carry on luggage, not her main luggage that goes to baggage claim.

 

[doug777]

And no one planted drugs on Griner. They were in her carry on luggage, not her main luggage that goes to baggage claim.

You want me to believe she had drugs on her because Sosa said so?

 

[militantmidget]

You want me to believe she had drugs on her because Sosa said so?

Did you watch the video footage of her at the airport?

She clearly had the vapes in her carry on. Unless she had someone else packing her luggage (which I doubt).

Go overseas, especially east of Germany. They explicitly state that you are responsible for your belongings. Don't take anyone's luggage that's not yours.

If they find drugs, weapons, contraband, whatever, you going to prison. They don't give you the benefit of doubt.

 

[BlackRob]

You want me to believe she had drugs on her because Sosa said so?

Check out the video.
Brittney has a carry on and a bag.
She walks to customs.
And is standing as they open her suitcase and go thru the contents.
Then signs paperwork of what is found.
Then is detained.

 

[crossovernegro]

I wouldn't doubt that they'd plant shit, but I also wouldn't doubt that she'd be dumb enough to pack the shit.

....but I'd think about the old Dave Chapelle joke about black people being bad bargaining chips. They know that a white athlete would cause much more of a stir, while with a black one it's "hello, we have a black....hello??"

If it was Brady, the talk of the town would be the drugs were planted but Black folks don't get the benefit of the doubt, even on a pro Black forum.

 

[Flawless]

Britney must be one of those Zionist Russia is trying to save us from.

 

[p5ych3]

i don't believe the "planted" idea. most of not many of those tall ass basketball players complain about the pain they experience. she could be self medicating to relieve pain and inflammation.

she was held long before the war, so it could be bad luck. hope we can hear her side.

 

[TENT]

Peace. Thanks for explaining.

Listen what you wrote below. I agree with.

That doesn't take away my previous post and comments though.

Didn't now my words had volume. Nothing personal but I just dont agree with that POV.

When you posted, it doesn't sound like you were fully aware of the situation or the context of my post. Please study up on Jesse past hostage negotiations and you will start to get my point.

As 31 y/o Olympian with a professional career, having previous issues with the law she
should have been a lot more humble.

You were able to earn 2m a year in a homophobic country and not be cancelled, even though you are an ex con woman beater. You internationally travel under the protection if the same govt you said national anthem shouldn't be played before your games.

In short she bit a lot of hands that fed and protected her. Typical lack of awareness from someone unaware of their own vulnerability. The same routine a lot of women with a lot less status try to run. Claim they want to be protected by the same people they shit on.

Im also asking a valid question about where all her WNBA sisters/UDA soccer team in protest. Are they willing to give up a money and careers for their causes. VP Kamala Harris flew to Russia to check in her yet she is still in jail.

She's basically fucked unless Putin is overthrown and the Russian judicial system has a change of heart.

Her career is basically gone and 10 years of her life is down the tube out of pure arrogance. I hope she makes the best of it but shes a known fuckup who hasn't earned much simpacy other than similarities ethnicity.

 

[Amajorfucup]

Check out the video.
Brittney has a carry on and a bag.
She walks to customs.
And is standing as they open her suitcase and go thru the contents.
Then signs paperwork of what is found.
Then is detained.

Dam man. Feel bad for the young sister. Her agents, management, and lawyers failed her.

 

[Thegooch]

You want me to believe she had drugs on her because Sosa said so?

Please explain how her carry on bag got planted. In the US with all the cameras in the airport. Probably not. In the Moscow airport after she got off the plane. Seems to me when she got off the plane and walked to customs it would have be awfully hard to plant 3 American made cartages.

Brittany isn't an asset or famous enough to have this done to her. Putin isn't her boss, isnt the man who pays her salary, its the Team Owner who probably has close ties to Putin.

I dont think her boss would want a 2 mil investment in jail. You understand there are other players there too. Wasn't like she was there for vacation. Why did Putin choose her over the white girls that would have pissed off more people?

Some of you are so obsessed about race that you let it erase logic. Brittany is getting very little support over this and I dobut the Russians chose her to get at Kamala Harris.

This is how you lose allies and don't gain friends. If niggas can't except the fact that a person with a history of stupidity did something stupid and want to ingore evidence you will invalidate 80% of the shit do.

If you have strong evidence then please do show. Otherwise they got her dead in the water breaking the law in another country.

Hope some of you don't take take energy out the country. Because if you are that arrogant and egotistical then stupid shenanigans will always follow you.

If her teammates in Russia/USA aint got the balls to say something then let it be.

 

[RoomService]

$100 Trump will get her home…

 

[World B Free]