WNBA's Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges

[Rogue Valley]

WNBA's Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges

3.6.22
WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested last month at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. The Russian Customs Service said Saturday that the cartridges were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The customs service identified the person arrested as a player for the U.S. women's team and did not specify the date of her arrest. Russian media reported the player was Griner, and her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, did not dispute those reports. “We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA,” Kagawa Colas said Saturday. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”

Griner is the 6'9" All Star center for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury who has dunked in games.

The main problem is the wage disparity between the NBA and the WNBA. The maximum WNBA player salary is $275,000 per season. That is couch change for almost every player in the NBA. The WNBA team cap is structured so that only one player per WNBA team can command the max salary. What happens then is that in the offseason WNBA players sign on to professeonal teams in Europe, Israel, Russia etc. In effect, most WNBA players have no offseason to rest and mend their injuries. Ms. Griner was making $1,000,000 playing in Russia. Still, it was stupid of Griner to try and bring anything drug related through Russian customs (that said, the Russian police and intelligence services are not above planting drugs on people. They do this all the time with Russian activists). With the Ukraine War in full swing and Russia isolated from the world, the Kremlin is going to accumulate political hostages for prisoner trades with the West. Moscow is already holding two former US Marines on trumped up charges.

How low WNBA salaries led to an American basketball superstar's detainment in Russia

 

[Mongidig]

Griner clearly did not do her research. The Russians do not like Gays, Blacks, or Western influenced clothing. She was wearing a "Black Lives for peace" jacket. Not smart.

 

[Bucky]

WNBA's Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges

Griner is the 6'9" All Star center for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury who has dunked in games.

The main problem is the wage disparity between the NBA and the WNBA. The maximum WNBA player salary is $275,000 per season. That is couch change for almost every player in the NBA. The WNBA team cap is structured so that only one player per WNBA team can command the max salary. What happens then is that in the offseason WNBA players sign on to professeonal teams in Europe, Israel, Russia etc. In effect, most WNBA players have no offseason to rest and mend their injuries. Ms. Griner was making $1,000,000 playing in Russia. Still, it was stupid of Griner to try and bring anything drug related through Russian customs (that said, the Russian police and intelligence services are not above planting drugs on people. They do this all the time with Russian activists). With the Ukraine War in full swing and Russia isolated from the world, the Kremlin is going to accumulate political hostages for prisoner trades with the West. Moscow is already holding two former US Marines on trumped up charges.

How low WNBA salaries led to an American basketball superstar's detainment in Russia

There is wage disparity because the WNBA does not have the same viewership or audience as the NBA.

 

[yankintx]

The Russians claim she was caught with illegel substances, was she and what class of drugs are they?

Did she break Russian laws?

Now i am not saying the young lady is not a pawn, but I prefer to take a step back and connect the dots.

 

[Bucky]

The Russians claim she was caught with illegel substances, was she and what class of drugs are they?

Did she break Russian laws?

Now i am not saying the young lady is not a pawn, but I prefer to take a step back and connect the dots.

U.S Citizens need to follow other countries' laws.

 

[Rogue Valley]

U.S Citizens need to follow other countries' laws.

Memo to Bucky. Russia and the US are involved in a proxy war in Ukraine. Moscow needs bargaining chips.

Also why they arrested and jailed former Marine Paul Whelan for espionage.

 

[Mongidig]

Memo to Bucky. Russia and the US are involved in a proxy war in Ukraine. Moscow needs bargaining chips.

Also why they arrested and jailed former Marine Paul Whelan for espionage.

This is even more reason to obey the laws.

 

[Felis Leo]

This is even more reason to obey the laws.

You are presuming that the Russian prosecution is being honest when they claimed she had broken any laws?

 

[Mongidig]

You are presuming that the Russian prosecution is being honest when they claimed she had broken any laws?

I’m just saying you should know the laws and follow them. Also, I’d suggest not wearing provocotive western clothing.

 

[Bucky]

You are presuming that the Russian prosecution is being honest when they claimed she had broken any laws?

She pleaded guilty. These irresponsible americans need to show respect outside of America.