The Saga of Brittney Griner

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: All right, fellas. So, here’s a brief summary of our topic of discussion this afternoon: Brittney Yevette Griner is a WNBA star for the Phoenix Mercury. Played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears, even helping to win the championship in 2012.

Donald: Interjection, please: Ms. Griner is one of only 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal and a WNBA championship.

Russ: Wow…

Patrick: Wow is right. And, unfortunately, in February of this year, Brittney was detained by Russian Customs on allegations that cartridges containing hashish oil had been found in her luggage. She had been entering the country to play with the Russian Premier League— something she’s done for many years while the WNBA was in its offseason.

John: I’d forgotten I’d heard that.

Patrick: Right. So, fellas, how do you feel about all of this?

Donald: Okay, so a week before Russia invaded Ukraine, Brittney was detained and arrested. Since February 17, she has been in a Russian prison—a stark contrast to her life here as a millionaire athlete in the United States, as well as during her time playing in Russia, where, interestingly enough, she earns more than she does in the U.S. There’s so much involved with this, I believe, and it’s hard to break down and express it.

Russ: My belief is Russia is holding Brittney for no good reason at all. They say drugs is the reason, but I say no way, because I’ve heard Russia is prejudiced against gays like Brittney. I feel, also, that we need to make sure we’re paying our players enough money that they won’t feel that need to go overseas to earn another paycheck.

John: Russ, I hope it isn’t the case that this is all fabricated. Personally, I believe Brittney made a mistake in not being careful with her drugs—assuming, of course, that she had some on her. She’s a veteran to the Russian airport, so there’s no reason she would not have known the laws when it came to this, which leads me to her not paying attention to detail.

Patrick: This is a tough one. On one hand, it’s a new world here in the United States with the legalization of marijuana— in some cases, decriminalization of possessing the drug— but, on the other hand, when it comes to many other countries, they have their own laws, and, when we’re there, we have to adhere to them. However, as a non-lawmaker, it feels almost “too”; has me wondering if her detainment has anything to do with our support of Ukraine in the current war going on between them and Russia.

John: Sadly for Brittney, and others who get caught in the web, the Russian court system is as harsh as they come. If on trial in Russia, your chance of acquittal isn’t 50/50; it’s more like 1/99, with 1 being the number of times out of 100 you’re acquitted. So, yes, not good.

Donald: I feel what y’all are saying about this being about much more than weed. History tells us many things go way deeper than we’re ever prepared for.

Russ: Listen, all I know is that I believe the NBA—or somebody—needs to add some dollars into the WNBA, so the women players are paid enough so there’s no need to go overseas, risking freedom.

Patrick: Good stuff, fellas, on this unfortunate topic, but maybe something to consider in all this is the notion that “When in Rome…” Now, let’s get her back, so we can restart.

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