US embassy officials react to Brittney Griner prison sentence

Brittney Griner was given a 9-year prison sentence in her case in Russia. It is expected the U.S. will attempt to negotiate a prisoner swap for her release.

[@internationalaugyst2558]

I got 2 years in California state prison for an ounce of marijuana in my pocket, which was “felony possession “ in 2008. There was no outrage. I was housed in maximum security at North county jail in downtown Oakland while I fought the case, next to people fighting murder cases. There was no outrage/support from celebrities/high powered attorneys

[@stoptheviolence3358]

@@jimmye5700 I know I feel bad for her but we all now certain countries like Russia china the Philippines , you don’t take anything but I do feel bad for her

[@stoptheviolence3358]

Sorry you went thru that a lot of homies did major time for weed and came home different shits ridiculous I feel bad for her and you but we all know in. Other countries you ain’t take this risk because they are much harsher

[@oscarjuarez2142]

Sorry you went through that man.

[@tyriereid6303]

Who the fuck are

[@tyriereid6303]

Who the fuck are you

[@vespasianflavius8778]

The American public is not outraged.

[@penelopelopez8296]

Not at all….we’re loving it. I hope Russia forces her to perform hard labor every single day for the next nine years.

[@lioness-sx6fr]

Yes I am

[@vespasianflavius8778]

@@lioness-sx6fr I am sorry, the American Public outside the protected class is not outraged.

[@nctrnlmjsty8719]

Imagine if the USA said, "She deserves time and don't break other Countries Laws." You know how it should be.

[@gustavohermandio1440]

nobody would even care if the person was a white men. now because shes a black women, having drugs isnt such a bad thing. fkin lol

[@michaelward1341]

Yeah. The US position should be that she is guilty of possession and deserves conviction, but that the trafficking charge is an overreach and that 9 years is too much, and we should be pressuring Russia for a reduction in the sentence. To ree about how she's complete innocent while offering to trade a dangerous criminal for her is just goofy. It's especially odd when we've been doing exactly nothing for other Americans in the same position.

[@petepirolo6117]

@@michaelward1341 she should hire a lawyer for that! American politicians don’t need to be involved!

[@michaelward1341]

@@petepirolo6117 You are probably right. We are getting into an area where I am wondering why no one else who has done the same thing got this level of attention. On the other hand, Trump got involved when China arrested those UCLA basketball players for shoplifting.

[@selltheteam4448]

“Here in China,” Griner says, “you just have to forget everything you know, or think you know, and be willing to accept a new set of rules.” - Griner in a 2014 article with ESPN

[@mestizAzteca]

Well then, I expect her to do well and adjust to Russia's set of rules 🤷

[@Droughtson]

“Admired by millions..”. I’ve literally never heard of her before this.

[@annabellelee4535]

I don't think the WNBA has millions of fans as a franchise. They're the tax write off for the NBA.

[@donnyadityawan8991]

And everybody alives never heard of u either.

[@hakinadedeji]

You are not part of the millions, simple!

[@petepirolo6117]

She says that millions admire her, well there’s many more millions that DON’T admire her or her illegal action! Politicians STAY OUT OF IT! Instead focus on fuel prices in America!

[@Mr.Perry33]

Laws are laws, just because she's an athlete doesn't make her any better than any other person.

[@amandaparker5775]

Hey I smoke too. Im my state its legal. But no way would I take it to another state let alone another country. WHEN YOU KNOW ITS AGAINST THE LAW THERE. Sorry do the crime do the time.

[@michaelward1341]

It's legal in your state, but is it legal in your country?

[@amandaparker5775]

@@michaelward1341 no it is not. And no way would I drive across state lines with it. There are rules. I can legally buy anywhere in my state. An smoke it in private. If I am caught not in my state with it. Yes I would face charges in whatever state I am in. That's the way it should be. If the normal everyday person would go to jail . . So should someone famous or rich or whatever. I am all for everyone being equal. Tired of peoples lives meaning more to others because of their names or how many zeros they have in the bank.

[@timsmotorcyclediary]

Justice was served today. Griner broke the law. Don't like the sentence then don't break the law. It's really that simple. Now she has to be bailed out by the U.S. government. A scumbag will be released in exchange for Griner's freedom. That's the miscarriage of justice.

[@commancheheart420]

Where is the outrage for other Americans held in Russia?

[@IntelligentInsights876]

There's other americans being held in russia?

[@alvincyt]

She doesn't like this country anyway (she wanted the US National Anthem to not be played), so I guess the Russians decide to accommodate her by granting her an extended stay. I'm sure she won't hear our national anthem even once when she's doing her time over there.

[@frostflower5555]

She'll be speaking Russian by the time she gets out. Won't she be lucky and they'll be free lessons! lol

[@mvk8726]

That man deserves 9 years

[@TheGothicdolphin]

NOT sorry to say; It's good to see celebrities and athletes not get preferential treatment over common people who are someone's father, mother, sister or brother TOO and genuinely innocent!

[@Cho-ZnSamurai]

She deserves her sentence. B- list celebutaunt, thinking she’s above the law. She knowingly and willingly smuggled illegals drugs in. Her sentence was an already guaranteed dunk in the slammer.

[@Wrastleman903]

Bye Felicia.

[@toneblo9781]

Ignorance of the law is no excuse in America unless u have millions of fans then u can just say u didn't mean to break the law and you supposed to be released from jail. What a joke

[@geoffreyfowler9198]

What is an “Intentional oversight”?

[@user-zw6mb9sj7k]

Code for they dont respect the laws of other countries and they feel like the way the law works here should be the same everywhere else at least for Americans

[@thomasc9036]

"Admired by millions?" I doubt that an entire season of WNBA had more than a million attendance.

[@s.marshian8455]

League loses millions per year, it’s surprising it still exists.

[@ITSGLENN83]

or even a million views

[@kimberleeturner8475]

I can't tell by all the attacks in social media. But is it true what they are saying about her ?

[@kimberleeturner8475]

North Korea

[@chrisyerp174]

Lol admired 😆 🤣 sorry not sorry she doesnt stand for are nation anthem ,,,, and you say admired

[@West-rn-showvn-ist-chick]

She hates the us! Now she expects them to bail her out?🤣🤣I hope she stays there!!

[@zefini7397]

It reminded me of Billy from the movie Midnight Express, quiet people paying for political disagreements between countries.

[@penelopelopez8296]

That movie was brutal. I remember seeing it at the theaters back in the late 1970s.

[@sullytrny]

She kneels

[@Lisa-qs1xd]

She is not unlawfully detained....please

[@gustavohermandio1440]

do you show support for the person because shes an athlete or because shes a black women ? you realise both doesnt make you immune to the law ?

[@penelopelopez8296]

It’s only makes you entitled in America …..no where else. If she thinks America is racist …..she’s about to find out the real meaning of the word racist over in Russia. 😂😂😂

[@beermesane1671]

She an athlete, that’s funny.

[@gustavohermandio1440]

@@beermesane1671 is she not ?

[@frostflower5555]

She'll be learning the beautiful Russian language for free!

[@gtz9465]

Dont break the law in another country. Simple as that. Why should she get special treatment?

[@rickbartnick4563]

How is it wrongfully detained? She brought the shit to their country doesn’t matter if she accidentally packed it ( which I’m sure is bullshit) she’s thought she was going to sneak it in. Deal with the consequences. I think anyone that gets locked up for a plant is ridiculous but she knew she was in the wrong

[@penelopelopez8296]

Her constitutional rights ended when she left America….in addition to her self entitlement.

[@lioness-sx6fr]

Facts

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

@@penelopelopez8296 ABSOLUTELY👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

Rick, you know how this “woke” nation is now. I wish that America will truly WAKE UP!. TODAY, America got a taste of REALITY. Another REALITY check is coming too and that is GOD does exist and there is a heaven to gain and a HELL to shun.

[@kushperignon4180]

9 years is over doing it tho

[@theadventuresofdorknmindy6788]

Maybe she'll respect Russia's national anthem

[@313Sonny]

Man stop with that bullshit. That flag and anthem means different things to different people. The third original stanza clearly states no refuge for slaves.

[@Wrastleman903]

Bwahahaha that’s good 👍🏻

[@beverlyjackson3089]

LMFAO

[@penelopelopez8296]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@joekarpinski5727]

another clown show

[@bigjay5516]

Admired by millions? Thats a huge stretch! She's right where she needs to be. Maybe now she will appreciate her freedoms as an American. It's so funny.

[@Damian.123]

So let me get this straight, you refuse to be on the Basketball Court during the National Anthem, then you go even further and say that it shouldn't be played before any Games during the season. Then you stupidly try to carry illegal Drugs into a Foreign Country, get caught and locked up. Then you want the Country that you apparently have absolutely no respect for to come to your rescue? Well I hope you enjoy your time in a Siberian Work Camp! #BrittneyGriner

[@drewdunn2066]

Maybe Putin will still let her take a knee during the Russian national anthem.

[@MrSalazar661]

Best comment I read all day

[@penelopelopez8296]

Yes, she will finally get a clue as to the meaning of oppression while she’s rotting away in a Russian prison cell. And yes, I hope she forced to perform hard labor over those 9 years.

[@coolworx]

She broke the law. She smuggled in marijuana. WTF.

[@GeorgecortCortina]

I bet she regrets taking that knee now, poetic justice... LOL

[@Paul-lm5gv]

So, she wants to come back to the U.S.? Now she suddenly likes this country? From Wiki: *In 2020, Griner, along with teammate Brianna Turner, called for the WNBA to stop playing the United States national anthem before the games.* Well, thankfully for her she won't have to hear it for 9 more years!

[@hellokitty2931]

Thank you for saying this Paul !!!!

[@texasinvestor9942]

What about the other American prisoners locked up in Russia?? They deserve to stay there to huh??..there’s many other prisoners hoping to come home with her. Smh but continue…

[@Steve-yo4ld]

@@texasinvestor9942 What about them? Moral of the story genius, don't break the Law, especially in other Countries! You do know, Singapore executes Drug Dealers, what do you think she would have received there?😉

[@mikelofft6522]

So is el chapo getting out too ?

[@squeemdawg7123]

Just because we're american doesn't mean we can go to other countries, do what we want and expect our gov to come save us when we do some dumb shit. Play by the rules in the other countries cus they dont play that shit. Point Blank.

[@frostflower5555]

Imagine if she was caught in Indonesia or Vietnam! She should count her lucky stars.

[@drew9073]

Finally justice has been served

[@ExilixE]

RELEASE AMERICAN PRISONERS FIRST BEFORE GRINER. The star treatment is f*king ridiculous.

[@robhill9989]

What’s an intentional oversight? Light leaving an open container in your vehicle because you didn’t want to throw out the bottle? Explain that to me please.

[@FirstLast.....]

All these officials should be fired, for thinking this is an issue they need to address. An issue the tax payers are paying them to address. Do the crime, do the time.

[@penelopelopez8296]

She’s one of those special, entitled Americans who is better than we non drug using Americans. She automatically goes to the front of line.

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

@@penelopelopez8296 Don’t forget she wrote to Mr Biden that she voted for him. She is Black, female, NBA “ball” player and part of the “ALPHABET COMMUNITY”- oh, she is “special” alright- - - BUT, NOT to 🇷🇺 Russia. Front or back of the line she still will serve 9years.

[@TOM-yd8ub]

@@penelopelopez8296 Yeah they'll leave Marc Fogel, who had a medical prescription and sentenced to 14 years.

[@johnroyer2522]

Let Brittany serve her time.

[@BrianHollingerSHTF]

I bet Britney's happy she won't have to listen to the National Anthem for a while. So there is a silver lining.

[@texasinvestor9942]

I bet other American prisoners in Russia ain’t singing the national anthem. I bet they’re praying they get to come home with her and support her..

[@Steve-yo4ld]

@@texasinvestor9942 Yeah, come home to a Country she has disrespected! Now she wants help!!!😅 Let's not forget they are not in Jail because they're being Oppressed, they broke the Law!!! You feel so strong about her, I'm sure theres somewhere you can donate a few thousand dollars to help her out!!👌

[@probilliards101]

Maybe the Russians will play it over and over for her since she hates it so much lol

[@dtownkid1995]

He*

[@danmiller2177]

She commited a criminal offensive in Russia had you lost you mind lady.... When in Rome do as the Romans does...

[@Pinky-lg3lz]

Making an example from a 'celebrity' conviction sends a clear message to other potential lawbreakers.

[@penelopelopez8296]

Yes! It sends a very clear message that we Americans are not entitled to anything in a foreign country. Everyone should know that their constitutional rights are not global…those rights are only good here in America. When you go abroad you better abide by that country’s laws or pay the price. She became so entitled here in America that it went to her head. She can now take that knee in her prison cell for 9 years. No sympathy for her. She made her bed and now she can lie in it.

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@dailymotivationdose7514]

Laws are laws.

[@mattgrigg4359]

Why the fuck did the lawyer say bring her home? She's home right now, in Russia. Enjoy the labor camps in Winter. 😂😂😂😂

[@jamescook9775]

It’s 9 years Mabye they should tell her 9 years it’s nothing. I lived in the uk for 28 years I survived

[@warriormessiah3134]

Deep breath before words

[@ericbullock2975]

Set my dude free

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

Guess what? It does matter how many millions of fans admire Griner. It doesn't matter! Get a clue, people! And stop embarrassing the United States.

[@carltonwalton9819]

LOL. America embarresses itself!

[@mestizAzteca]

@@carltonwalton9819 the u.s.

[@badass9643]

Soooooo when will the NBA/WNBA stand up and speak on this topic? Maybe it’s just me but I have yet to hear sports center, etc speak on the release and return of Brittany.

[@jarlredwulf9967]

What are you doing for the marine?

[@robertwhite1028]

Is that the guy from dumb and dumber?

[@TheRealDealAndStealStephcurry]

Get these criminals off the street, she’s a criminal that deserves to go to jail for her acts.

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

I had never heard of her until this incident. SHE BROKE THE LAW, woman. Glad she said “Miss Griner”. Are you doing your best to care for other Americans locked up over there? Noooooo you is not!!!

[@johnb.8687]

Russians are a spiteful people this is about their heavy losses in the war. Not really about anything else.

[@Sbamabelle]

play stupid games and get a prize you might not like.

[@juanvasquez2982]

Respect, rules for different s country’s

[@sheleewhitaker3059]

Poor poor baby stuck in a place that isn't America! The DB hates this place. She's removed herself from the country in which she hates! She's found herself a new home! THE GOVERNMENT BETTER NOT SPEND TAX PAYERS MONEY TO RETRIEVE A CRIMINAL! IF IT WERE YOU OR I THEY WOULD LEAVE US THERE TO FACE THE CRIME AND TIME!

[@maksimvolkov3371]

Yeah ? Don't break rules in different country.

[@penelopelopez8296]

That’s right. One would think she would have been smarter than that.

[@theexorcist2605]

Why do you keep calling this dude Miss

[@shineyourlight1555]

good!! keep her...

[@oscarjuarez2142]

Outrage!? Get to know the laws first! I don’t care if you’re exhausted or recovering…

[@nctrnlmjsty8719]

Awww America Doesn't seem so bad huh Brittany. I bet you're thinking of the National Anthem over there. Ahahahaha oh the irony I'm in stiches.

[@penelopelopez8296]

Now, she can study and learn the Russian national anthem and let’s see her take a knee during that….they’ll give her another 9 years for disrespecting their country’s anthem. This is karma at its finest. She wants to trash American….she’ll get no sympathy from me. I hope the Russians force her to perform hard labor every day for 12 hours.

[@michaelward1341]

Anyone got Kamala Harris's take on this? Given her record for drug prosecutions, I suspect it's something like 9 years isn't nearly enough.

[@aidecewaclan8254]

Miscarriage of justice? She broke a law in Russia and recieved the punishment dictated by that law. Completely appropriate in my mind

[@jefffinger3412]

That national anthem doesn't sound so bad now does it

[@nevadagrace3514]

Don’t do the crime of you can’t do the time. Russia, China, Singapore, a Vietnam , Saudi Arabia, and the lot don’t mess around with these types of infractions period. If she is exchanged, then those in the US in prison on drug charges should be released.

[@IFated2ILoveU]

Dont smuggle drugs. Look at the bright side, At least she’d have 9 years with women 🤷

[@frostflower5555]

Imagine being locked up with beautiful Russian women! lol She'll get free Russian lesson.

[@richyp64]

Let Griner rot in prison just like anyone of you would if you were in this dude's situation. 👍👍

[@peterbudo9204]

Remember our POWs and MIAs and forget the POS! She's in good hands, and it's not Allstate! Baaahh whaaa whaaa!!

[@wilsmith3898]

You mean bring her home safely..in about 9yrs? Smh...US doesn't want a war with Russia over a single individual who violated the law of the land she stepped foot on...but 9year..for you vape fluid..DAAAAAMMMMMNNN

[@beermesane1671]

Karma is a bitch!

[@florodrigue5487]

What about Marc Fogel are you trying to get him back home to USA? He got 14 years for medical marijuana. Why is she so special. He’s a teacher which is more important then a basketball player

[@michelfortier9563]

It always astounds me someone will do some boneheaded move by doing something really stupid then expecting the US Government to come to their defense to bail them out. I say let her stay there and make it a point for people to understand if you're going to do something really stupid in a foreign Country, we're not bailing you out.

[@johnnybegood3017]

She's lucky her punishment didn't include capital punishment ----- like it would in most other countries when caught trafficking drugs. Too bad Don't do the crime if you can't do the time, felon !

[@peterpanish3534]

She did it. Like she does when here in the USA, thought she was above the law. One thing Russia have done right this year. Keep her!

[@realistbob7178]

wrongfully detained ? ya keep up the gas lighting ,,,, she broke russian laws how is she wrongfully detained>?

[@eyeonart6865]

She, he did the crime period. Criminals go free and the innocent get executed or life sentence. If they trade then what does they say. What about all the pot smokers in prison. Let them out if you let grainer out, period. Just because she, he is in sports means nothing, she, he is guilty and needs to pay for the crime. I hope the Russians are smart enought not to trade!

[@kevinthegreat3572]

Wherever US goes chaos follows.

[@penelopelopez8296]

Wherever entitled, special Americans go….chaos and karma follow. I hope they force her to perform hard labor for 12 hours a day….every day.

[@beermesane1671]

Kevin the dummy.

[@Nothingwasovernight]

So pretty much the us will do nothing about it time to stop talking about this topic unfortunately

[@Revivethefallen]

I guess the United States isn't so bad now😆

[@melvinjohnson2074]

She thought she was so cool turning her back on America then begging same for help. You did the crime now do the time.

[@philliphughes3938]

Spare me

[@phyuckyiu7685]

Heres the deal russia should make! We will get griner and whelan back, when america releases every single person in jail in america for marijuana charges. Now thats a good deal!!

[@kellydavid6334]

Is that a man talking

[@jeffmiller1159]

Why does this woman look like Amber Heard s lawyer?

[@michaelripley9507]

Does that mean that a trans person gets her spot on the roster?

[@michaelripley9507]

Wait, can they smoke bud in the NBA? Just asking for a friend.

[@chrisk.6849]

Fake news She / He is Guilty.

[@brandonabbott6225]

I bet Trump could have got her home just like he brought that rapper home from china

[@opudo]

Don't mess with Russia lagbts pls stop breaking the law's of nature pls

[@rocknroll6495]

Finally, justice!!

[@tonywilliams6492]

Dude no one cares!!! I never cared for her then and don’t care for her now life goes on

[@jamesmays9979]

That cut 😂😂😂

[@TheRealDealAndStealStephcurry]

Clean still, Tyler creator 101

[@waynelynch3862]

Brittney Griner has such a deep voice. Was she taking hormones?

[@janetsimpkins2434]

You all are wrong the wife will be faithful😂

[@alexfenton3655]

At the end of the day we can't tell another country how to operate one less drug dealer to worry about

[@MegaMarvelMashup]

I agree with you but I think this has to do with a vape pen if I'm not mistaken. Then there's the question why bring it with you to begin it.

[@bnol03686]

Millions of fans? 🤔

[@Bellringa5]

Well gah damn, he was so so oppressed in America. Thank god she found her freedom in Russia. Remember BLM, all the time. 🤣😂

[@joeygarcia6647]

Millions lol pretty sure there was only hundreds who even knew his name before this all started 😂

[@sandropucci4965]

Attack Russia…in name of freedom!! Pff pathetic