NBA

NBA world reacts to Brittney Griner being sentenced to 9 years in prison

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Current and former NBA players, as well as the NBA, expressed their outrage over the nine-year prison sentence given to women’s basketball star Brittney Griner on Thursday.

Griner was arrested in Russia in February of this year and charged with possession of a cannabis oil. She remains jailed as American officials continue to pursue ways to return her to the United States.

The arrest of Griner came shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a move that’s drawn international condemnation and made the country a pariah among other nations.

During her trial in Russia, Griner admitted to being in possession of the cannabis oil. People are criticizing the length of the sentence and how Griner is being used as a political pawn by Russia.

In addition to Griner, the United States is also seeking to obtain the release of Paul Whelan, who has been jailed since 2018 in Russia after being arrested on espionage charges. Like Griner’s arrest, Whelan’s arrest has been tied to Russia’s attempts to use jailed Americans as bartering tools.

One former American jailed in Russia on questionable charges, Trevor Reed, has strongly advocated for Griner’s release.

The emotions expressed by the smattering of basketball notables offer a window into just how much of an impact that Griner has made during her career in the sport.

Brad Sullivan

Brad has written on a variety of both NBA and NFL topics and has worked previously as a sports information director at the collegiate level. A lifetime fan of sports, he's witnessed countless great moments in different sports and understands that stories can be compelling from both the perspective of winners and losers. As a frustrated fan of Cleveland sports, he experienced something unprecedented when the Cavaliers won the city's first championship in 52 years.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

Shaq says he would make Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama quit if he were playing today

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama are two…

9 hours ago

Patrick Beverley makes major declaration about Steph Curry: ‘Best point guard to ever play basketball’

Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley faced off against Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors in the…

11 hours ago

Report: Man sentenced to 12 years in prison after scamming Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of $8M

A man by the name of Calvin Darden Jr. has been handed a lengthy prison…

1 day ago

Ex-Timberwolves GM told Klay Thompson’s dad that his son was ‘not a 1st-round pick’ before 2011 draft

Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 11…

1 day ago

Report: NBA players have been provoking Ja Morant’s gun gestures

Fans and other players have been provoking Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, according to ESPN’s…

2 days ago

Shaquille O’Neal says Steph Curry is more influential than LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry are two…

2 days ago