I didnt realize what a freak show this whole griner thing was. I pay no attention to sports but this circus has been going on for over a decade.
jesus h christ .
You're actually talking about Russia that's well known to detain (arrest) people within weeks (before or after) of a war / invasion as
political pawns.
Regardless of her professional basketball background and history of personal problems...
she's still an American from a military family just like all other Americans that have been detained (arrested) by Russia in the past...a few are still in jail after several years regardless of their personal background and the reason for their arrest (e.g. espionage).
In my opinion, this whole situation could have been avoided because of the U.S. state department's failure to warn the WNBA and other sports about traveling through or to Russia for competition when the U.S. state department was aware of a pending invasion by Russia into Ukraine.
- Yet, they did warn the U.S. military to notify all servicemen/women about traveling as a civilian through/into Russia especially those with spouses/family living abroad in Russia.
For what it's worth, there have been other more well-known individuals that traveled through / to Russia during the week of Griner doing it...they were not detained/arrested because it would have caused more of an international outcry.
I think after this situation, many professional American athletes that play in the Russian leagues (e.g. pro soccer players) in the off-season for extra income will think twice about traveling to Russia.
- In fact, if the WNBA paid the players a better salary (avg. salary about 130k)...most of them will less likely have the need to play basketball in their off season in questionable countries.
I remember several years ago,
Diana Taurasi (WNBA star) played in the same league and she left because she cited personal reasons due to the constant surveillance of Americans.
wrbtrader