WNBA star Brittney Griner convicted by Russian court: What’s next? | ABCNL

Experts react to Brittney Griner’s conviction and give insight on her future in Russian prison.
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[@buddyspuds5546]

Nobody goes to Russia and accidentally packs illegal drugs. NOBODY

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

Agree with you....I went to Russia in 2019 and can tell you that I double checked everything I had in my suitcase. However the same cautious approach applies to ALL countries ....in Malaysia, for example, there's a mandatory death penalty for drugs.

[@muzzmac160]

@@capitainebonhomme1609 When I was a frequent traveller to Asia I was like you my suitcase was spotless all pockets in my clothes were searched and all clothes laundered before I went . If your a pot user it just pays to be careful and not create problems for yourself . I don't smoke anymore but I always respected the laws of the countries I travelled to . Rule one of travel never have a reason to be involved with the local coppers.

[@floydkettle2469]

its a black thing regardless how stupid it is for one to do that.

[@Dracoool]

9 years of hard labor will make a man out of him.

[@josiemoe]

Wrongfully detained? She admitted to breaking their law.

[@hainavidotcom]

and she gets to train with Yuri Boyka now.

[@308719236]

You never her of coerced confession plea deals lol you gullible idiot

[@socialdistancejusticewarri8533]

She thought she was privileged like Paul Pelosi.

[@Mr.White10-65]

The media needs to stop saying she wouldn't be in Russia if she was paid as much as NBA athletes. She was making $221,000 a year to play in the WNBA.......that is more than anyone in your town that is a teacher, cop or fireman.

[@smartass8084]

And got to get high 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@davicool9958]

She said before sentencing that she was there for the people, her teammates and considered Russia her second home. She NEVER MENTIONED money.

[@commonsense3921]

To be honest to make $200,000 over the summer to play ball is a great deal. Better then any summer job i ever had.

[@Mr.White10-65]

@@davicool9958 The media is implying she has to go to Russia to supplement her income from the WNBA because the WNBA doesn't pay as high as the NBA. ABC is guilty of this, hence the original comment......

[@Mr.White10-65]

@@smartass8084 She could be getting high right now in the good ol' USA where pot is legal in most of the country. God bless America.

[@chevyvet69]

She won't have to worry about playing basketball for a long time if I was her I would take the opportunity to learn a trade

[@kawishabbasi9459]

Is a famous athlete above criminal law, if he or she apologizes on their crime or guilt??

[@darkroses3479]

The US seems to think so. Laws are for the ordinary people.

[@chevyvet69]

Lol lol hell no

[@darkroses3479]

Russia isn't interested in a prisoner exchange. They've been offered Viktor Bout before and they say no. Russia isn't going to show weakness and follow US orders. It's naïve to believe that they will.

[@benlaw4647]

True ....the USA is going to have to give up alot to get her....and it's up the Russians to chose ....

[@crystalsirois9806]

I do agree with you. Sad to say.

[@darkroses3479]

@@benlaw4647 The Russian foreign minister said it was going to get interesting, and he told the truth. It's fun to see Blinken and Biden humiliated.

[@benlaw4647]

@@darkroses3479 yep 👍

[@saiesha17]

Aged badly

[@michaelconnor5922]

Wrongfully detained ah. Why is that? Talk about hypocritical. How many people do we slam in jail for the very same thing. What, is she? special are we? WHY???...Average joe gets no help. Privileged

[@katherinebrown3371]

I was wrongfully convicted spent 2 years for something I didn't do wrote to Trump and others with no help at all and she pleads guilty and Biden wants to help her unbelievable

[@easyhow2]

ABC reporter " Here she ( Griner) is apologizing though technically it's not her fault".....Duh Griner admitted she packed the drug what do you mean?

[@karl5056]

Know and respect the laws of the land.. BG is a Cautionary Tale for traveling abroad & being self entitled. No one should be this ignorant when traveling to the Russian Federation.

[@darkroses3479]

She's lucky since she could face the death penalty in some countries.

[@moneystacks4883]

9 years for a pen wit lil oil not even a blunt I wonder how many years u get for dui stop

[@loetzcollector466]

So is this courageous social justice Warrior refusing to look at a Russian flag or get down on one knee and protest if she ever hears a Russian patriotic song? I'm just curious.

[@regulahdegulah1369]

🤣🤣🤣🤣💯

[@chaseme9860]

I bet he is thinking that American freedom that he took for granted doesn't sound too bad now.

[@noahzm_]

She

[@Baneslayer]

How's that russian freedom working out? Do you miss good ol' USA yet? Gonna talk more trash about what a "shitty country" america is? enjoy your stay at the gulag hotel.

[@viewproduction7225]

Some Caucasian Americans seem to think that A woke intelligent human Would be surprised to see Some Caucasian Americans agree, be indifferent, and celebrate Brittney Griner getting 9 years for THC in Russia, but no it’s the same strange extreme and Unusual punishment issued out from the same People 👨🏼‍💼👩🏼‍🔧 to the same people 👦🏽🧒🏾

[@loetzcollector466]

So is this courageous social justice Warrior refusing to look at the Russian flag or take a knee if the Russian national anthem is ever played? Just curious

[@viewproduction7225]

@@loetzcollector466 Does Russia capitalize on The Idea of freedom and liberty and in turn slaughter/ execute innocent unarmed people of color with their hands up it the middle of the street in front of their families on a regular basis’ as of now ? And then even expect her too stand for their flag ?

[@johntrent151]

Brittney won’t have to hear the National Anthem for at least the next 9 years. She got her wish in a way!

[@neltom50]

I bet her new favorite song will be, “GOD BLESS AMERICA”

[@johntrent151]

@@neltom50 She will be on her knees praying to have Daddy T back!

[@truthful3777]

Who knows maybe she found her true love and marry a Russian man.

[@susanburger3673]

Each country has it's own laws Reminds me of a film from the 1970's called The midnight express. An American was convicted of smuggling drugs in turkey and was in a terrible prison for a long time . Very scary movie. Never break the law when you go to another country. The legal systems are very much different than American laws.

[@GoldCoast85]

I take Kalma/Xanax, and even though legal in Thailand with doctors note for trip duration I didn't muck around with it, wasn't worth the risk. Was 16 at the time. This moron is just a woke idiot

[@88Kimberly888]

That was a good movie ..sad but good.

[@joeleicht5764]

Very true. I reminds me of the teenager who was arrested and whipped with a cane in one of the southeast Asian countries back in the early 90s. I didn't feel sorry for him then, and I don't feel sorry now for this privileged athlete who didn't appreciate the country she was born in.

[@phyuckyiu7685]

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

[@zwan1886]

How about we give Russia their merchant of death in exchange for Griner getting the death penalty

[@mrbard1]

Now she is just gonna be a tall woman with no job when she gets out. Damn life is unpredictable.

[@acekelly1000]

Maybe she won't come back. According to Brittney; America is a racist country.

[@zwan1886]

Griner will be one of those things haha

[@krustymadrid4953]

she will write a book and make a million, if she makes it out alive

[@maggie937]

I’m really happy for Brittany. He no longer has to live in a country that he hates so much. I’m glad his life is better now! 👌

[@jzila9900]

haha wow true colors come out on the internet, do you feel better now about yourself? you clearly know brittney is a girl and not a transsexual yet you decide to calll her , him. pat yourself in the back and post this on facebook

[@ryanbarkley5437]

Lol

[@hotvegas2498]

Have some respect! She’s a girl!

[@maggie937]

@@hotvegas2498 😆

[@jzila9900]

@@maggie937 whats so funny?

[@kennethfox5720]

Bout is much "MORE" important to the United States judicial system for HIS CRIMES than Griner is as a basketball player. KEEP him....FORGET her.

[@moneystacks4883]

Ppl like you 🤦‍♂️ 🤐

[@bujeah14l85]

how is 'i didnt mean to break the law' a legal defence

[@yogileongbear7580]

Not her fault? She brought in an illegal substance inside one's country! Whether intentional or not, its illegal to almost all country.

[@Mysteryyunginn]

Vape cartridge ppl walk around nowadays smoking them u live in a box…. Ur a racist Karen

[@joshrRealAmerican]

Justice was served.

[@brokethecode4565]

Cold world we live in.

[@mac_and_cheeze_pleeze6472]

He forgot to apologize to all Americans for hating America and for disrespecting the flag and national anthem. Maybe he will end up loving America and appreciating all the freedoms he took for granted after toiling for the next 9.5 years in a prison labor camp, hopefully in Siberia.

[@SlickArmor]

He will not survive a year. But he sure put on a tough show while struggling the oppression he was living under here.

[@cocorna3282]

Think Brinny still hates America...?... GOTTA LOVE THE CLASSIC IRONY

[@davicool9958]

She should read Dostosvsky's Crime and Punishment and spend the first 5 years reflecting on it.

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

That's a great suggestion you have

[@fromthe253]

She told them I didn't mean to do it and break the law and I didn't know i packed it lmao... she really means I didn't mean to get caught lol gud bye and enjoy that 9 years... sad part is how our government is thinking about trading for the arm deal we got which aint no fair trade. She needs to stop her fake crying and do yoir time for getting Caught for what you knew you packed and try to sneak that stuff in to Russia 💯

[@jzila9900]

your comment so cringe , all it needed was a hashtag

[@jimeagle5509]

What’s next is she can spend 9 years w/ her Russian cellmates perfecting her preferred pronouns. Thanks ~Jim Eagle

[@regulahdegulah1369]

🤣🤣🤣

[@hainavidotcom]

She gets to train with Yuri Boyka now.

[@kennethfox5720]

I will NOT praise Russia for very many things, but I will "PRAISE" them for this.

[@davesandlin2145]

Changing light bulbs for the next nine years is not really a bad gig, when you think about it.

[@ronnysimon30]

The cage she is in isn't too bad they play the USA national anthem 24 7. There is a picture of Trump in every corner and if you keep the cage clean they allow you to wear your maga hat

[@kennethfox5720]

I wonder if her husband {quote un quote} will be waiting for her 9 years from now. She says she is soooo sorry for how this has affected her family and loved ones. The ONLY one she feels sorry for is HERSELF.

[@muzzmac160]

She'll have plenty of time to find new wives in prison as I feel she'll be the husband.

[@kennethfox5720]

@@muzzmac160 I DOUBT that her wife here in the United States will be willing to wait 9 1/2 years for Griner to get out of prison....so Griner had better look for other sexual pleasures, and I'm SURE that the prison inmates will be GLAD to offer her their services, and make her feel right at home.

[@natalyavalasquez9121]

Each country is different what did she honestly expect if “she didn’t know” but yet wanted to complain how “the national anthem” shouldn’t be played? Be grateful on where you live, Biden won’t do anything, it’s pointless, and it isn’t “nothing more nor anything to do with race and sex”

[@MrTambourineMan.]

Damn! That’s cold. Nine years for weed

[@darkroses3479]

Yeah, NBA player Shumter just got arrested in Texas for the exact same thing, and he is only facing 3 years. Oh well, don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

[@sn1ffy85]

Anyone… that knows anything… knows you do not take any kinda drug to or in Russia!!! This is her own fault. No one else’s.

[@looneyyang1326]

Justice is served.

[@maryloudelossantos1624]

What's done can not be undone! Damage is irreparable. Don't mess around with Russia. They mean business.

[@polarexpressnerd434]

What happen to a wnba contract if she’s locked up ?

[@diamonduribe4944]

So if a normal person was caught with weed in Russia would they even think about doing a swap ???

[@donaldmarusak6501]

I wondered how long it would take for someone to say that...👍 .

[@Akaritomi]

America loves people who can handle balls. Average Joe can rot.

[@crystalsirois9806]

Everyone has their own opinions as it should be. However, why do we feel no empathy? I have read many of these comments and think about "Let the one who has not sinned cast the first stone." I would not wish this on my worse enemy. How would you feel if this was your own child?

[@hotvegas2498]

EXACTLY! 💯

[@alwaysright3369]

Yada yada yada

[@TucoJames]

Trump prob couldve gotten him out, got those 3 black shoplifters heading to Chinese prison for 10 yrs

[@T62306230]

its amazing me how many American are supporting this nonsense sentencing in the comments

[@Thaxton389]

Unruly detained? She broke a law in another country what do you expect? But I agree 9 years is a bit much

[@hotvegas2498]

9 yrs is ridiculous! It’s legal in Vegas. & it’s no big deal.

[@jooson2826]

Cool

[@felyhiggins1584]

Old news. I never heard of her before this. So if I fly into the States with drugs I can not be arrested and be illegally detained.

[@Spectacular331]

Very sad

[@SlickArmor]

The way she was raised was not why she pled guilty. She was told to so they can get past that step and get her home quicker.

[@rayah8809]

All these loud "voices" need to pack up & go riot or use their "voices" in Russia. Go together, to make it louder. 😁😁

[@drevon9268]

Keep Brittney in jail! The US citizens don’t want her!!!!!!

[@brucehardy890]

You mean White citizens like you don't you? Those are the only ones that count in your imagined country.

[@hotvegas2498]

Speak for yourself!

[@Agent77X]

Put more pressure on U.S. State Department to release Brittany Griner, she is an entitled A list sports celebrity! She needs to play the next WNBA season! That her job! U.S. Patriot too!

[@GeorgecortCortina]

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

[@justtry8552]

Lmao i hope you're joking

[@Baneslayer]

😂 Let her rot in the gulags. she is worthless compared to what the russians want in the trade. she is worth zero.

[@chevyvet69]

Lol lol I hope you're joking cause if not you're a moron

[@Akaritomi]

What about the guy who's also in Russian prison for the same thing for 4 years? Probably didn't even know about him cause he doesn't throw baskets eh? Or how about the locals in America locked up for WAY longer for the same thing? Nah they can't throw baskets so screw them right?

[@johnhynes7784]

The greatest WNBA player (whoever 5hat may be) isnt A list

[@pinkmoscato7851]

her 7 fans are missing her

[@mikeglaspey4562]

Her and Whelan will be freed with possibly others but then it's open season on American travelers abroad. The only question is how many monsters D.C. wants to release back in the world to get them home?They're backed into a corner.

[@NaomiePuma]

I've been working on the Brittney Griner case for months. And every day things become clearer to me. Brittney Griner did not deliberately take drugs. No ! I travel all the time with my hair pomade (name is Kuza) I just found out today that the ointment contains Indian hemp in the form of an oil called (apocynum cannabinum). So if I had traveled to Russia, I would have been convicted. For my part, I do not travel with drugs. But for Russia, cannabis oil is the same as other strong drugs. Seriously !? Exaggeration! Now I understand Brittney Griner's situation. She didn't know that Russia even classifies cannabis oil among other strong drugs.

[@genaholshouser7148]

God bless America!!!

[@patriciabrown1412]

Why do Americans even go to Russia?

[@krustymadrid4953]

silver lining? nothing will change? she was in jail, now she is headed to a freaking penal colony.

[@manonanisland2712]

I'm just here for three comments.

[@alooga555]

Maybe she will realize how good her life was back in the US as she serves time.

[@RazORKful]

Why does she get support from us government? Anyone else gets left to rot.

[@nsa7787]

I don't get it I thought there was a marine or former Marine in there, and they're trying to get griner out?

[@Akaritomi]

Cause she can throw baskets. America loves people who can handle balls.

[@robertnussberger6449]

I heard the Russian prosecutor's name was kaminea harrikinski. That's just what I heard. She really infamous for prosecuting Marijuana possessions

[@flz9231]

2031: CNN Headline “ex WNBA star and ex-LGBTQ Britney Grinder released form prison, she loves the USA now 🇺🇸”

[@brandondominguez5540]

im so proud of her! She finally broke free from the horrible oppression and racism she experienced in America. Russia will give her the life she always wanted but never had in America. this is such an empowering moment for women everywhere! God bless Russia

[@Dracoool]

9 years of hard labor will make a man out of him.

[@sir_christmas_leopold_duckson]

"Unintentionally packed..." Uh huh... More like she thought her status gave her a free pass to do whatever she wanted.

[@olddude5708]

I hope she get out but it's not fair to all the people in prison in America for the same crime

[@donelkingii3738]

We care why?

[@kennethfox5720]

Who knows....MAYBE Russia has a "professional women's basketball team" in prison.

[@thetryhard1340]

I like how everyone who isn’t Russian is saying justice served lol I didn’t know people were so admit about Russian law lol

[@JonLa89]

Da

[@ketc2467]

She admitted her mistake tho. What do you have to say?

[@online65555]

I’m sure they all white Trumpster

[@kurtcameron723]

As soon as you calm down please write a coherent sentence.

[@Akaritomi]

It's mostly about the hypocrisy in the US. Plenty of locals locked up for WAY longer for the same crime. Yet they want to trade an arms dealer for this one cause she can throw a few baskets. And the one screaming the loudest for this one is the same idiot who bragged about locking up Americans for bullshit weed crimes. This situation is just putting American stupidity in a brighter light...again.

[@komichan4409]

Otto Warmbier was given 15 years for stealing smh

[@AlexisGonzalez-xm8vi]

Keep her locked up! He I mean she is a basketball player, what can she really contribute to American society? It's not like we are losing a journalist,philanthropist,missionary,activist,medical volunteer etc etc. Heck she doesn't even respect the flag. Zero sympathy

[@sirhcelah]

one law for you but not for me throw away the key

[@jimmybobsap8729]

So because she can kind of dunk she is worth trading an arms dealer? She messed up, she knew that was in her bag lol

[@letsgobrandon8661]

Don’t drop the soap

[@BigValley1805]

Being that it was a tavel advisory to not go over there. I wonder if her wife tried to stop her or was she just that determined to get to her team so she wouldn't let them down. I would've never went there. But everything happens for a reason.

[@smartass8084]

Prefect !!!!

[@divine3187]

Prefection.

[@TamNguyen-hc1xw]

“Demand to release BG” … Talking about entitlement! You cannot demand anything when you are in the mercy of the other country. It is their rules/law of their land. Don’t be stupid.

[@OphirianHeritageConservatory]

WE ARE TIRED OF THIS BRITNEY NEWS!!! What is so important about her to make the headline news everywhere???? Because it happened in Russia???? ENOUGH OF THIS PROPAGANDA!

[@brucecampbell4528]

Kool

[@JoseRamirez-rd9di]

Some good news today

[@Steve_Scissorhands]

*Good news*

[@rocknroll6495]

Hallelujah!!!

[@jasoneaton9477]

What's next.. a jail break..

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

On the brightside, Griner has a wonderful opportunity to learn one of the most beautiful languages in the world !

[@Mecks089]

Good, let that be a nice long 9 year lesson for that fool.

[@deeliciousgrapes]

This is so sad. It wasn't a mistake, it was a choice. Other countries have their own set of laws and you cannot go to these countries and do whatever u want. Yes...it's very wrong to give her 9 years but she knew better. I feel bad for her ...but how stupid can she possibly be?? I don't care how small the amount, it's against the Russian law.

[@trafficjam.]

Facts

[@missmimi6817]

I feel sorry for her. Yes she made a mistake but was it as big as what putin has done to ukraine? Justice isn't fair anymore

[@donaldj3286]

She now asking for US to bring her home. She should start singing American anthem in Russia for 9 years. Let's see if she can Break the Russian Jail Defense.

[@eymanbaird5847]

It's not her fault? Whose fault is it "SHE" BROUGHT CONTRABAND IN?

[@chiomaugochukwu9460]

Remember The Teacher .MAY THE PEACE OF GOD THAT SURPASS HUMAN UNDERSTANDING BE WITH AMERICA AS THEY REMEBER THE TEACHER, BRITTENY GRINER AND PAUL WHELAN

[@josephpisani8185]

She she did mean to break the law she didn't care

[@GeorgecortCortina]

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

[@Hardfacts1]

Don’t do drugs kids and you won’t go to jail. I promise

[@Revbone450]

That National Anthem isn't sounding so bad now....

[@Theannointed1]

Damn that anthem it needs to be changed

[@imhereforitall9218]

In related news Russia women's basketball just became clear favorites to win gold in 2024 Olympics.

[@cjjameswhosyerdaddy1538]

For American Law it's nothing but HERBS. how stupid can you say IT'S JUST?. She was in another country where the Law for Drugs is harsh. Which part of that you could not respect???? ..

[@Polemic-2525]

Rightfully detained but wrongfully convicted. Good luck Brittney. I'll pray 🙏 for you.

[@capitainebonhomme1609]

That hot, gorgeous looking, blonde Russian guard could become Griner's new gf !

[@mikekoz6351]

Star? WNBA star? no such thing, no one has heard of him

[@eymanbaird5847]

Apparently the "grass" is greener in America? It seems a tad bit illegal in Russia. Hey, her sentence is 1 year less then the wait for a car you bought back in the '80's. Actually blue collar worker had to pay 1st & wait 15 years for a car. Russia has Justice for the Nation State and it is served cold. I guess if you have fun at the DMV you'd love Russia!! Now serving er сейчас служит, papers

[@hubertmatos5920]

If she goes to SIBERIA she might not be that much toast...LOLOLOL..

[@khelmikyahvyer6000]

Russian prison food is the worst, traveling to China and Russia is like going to North Korea. Why she went there in the first place?

[@hotvegas2498]

She was playing basketball there for 5 times what The WNBA was paying her.