Brittney Griner in jail

[Existential Cats]

If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.

When traveling to another country, you have to obey their laws. Being American doesn't give you a free pass.

This has fuck all to do with guilt and innocence. She's been in Russian custody since February--she's clearly being used for leverage.

[Ethel mermania]

We didn't do that, 20 years ago if you were caught bringing in just a couple grams of weed from Amsterdam you were doing time.

War or no war, This is Russia, the notion they would just confiscate it and send her home is naive.

I don't know why you're stretching for this characterisation of her as naive. She's a professional athlete who works in Russia, she probably knows the actual realities of that country much better than any smug internet poster asking what she expected.

She was on a basketball tour, if she worked there regularly she would know better.

I have done a lot of international travel in my life, so I do have some idea of travel restrictions and customs clearing worldwide. Full disclosure: I was almost arrested by customs in france.

The comment about being naieve was directed at King boomie. His thinking that the Russians would do a catch and release even prior to the war was where that comment was pointed.

[Heloin]

So your reasons for liking this are purely vindictive?

I dont like it. I do find it very amusing in an ironic sense. I do see it as a "you think the US is bad, now learn what bad really is" moment.

No, that's not even slightly ironic that's just being vindictive. It doesn't even settle into the basic ideas of irony. If she had declared her undying allegiance to Russia and Putin it would be ironic, but she hasn't done that. If you find this funny it is purely cruel.

In a better world she wouldn't have to bring it in she could just buy it there, but this isn't a better world.

If you supposedly think it's not a big deal but instead unfortunate the Russia sees differently then you should support US efforts to release a US citizen. If you don't then you support what she was arrested for.

[Ethel mermania]

If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.

When traveling to another country, you have to obey their laws. Being American doesn't give you a free pass.

This has fuck all to do with guilt and innocence. She's been in Russian custody since February--she's clearly being used for leverage.

Folks sit for a year at rikers Island, you expect the Russian system to move faster?

[Ifreann]

Those who love cruelty always call it fairness.

If a stupid guy with bloody, raw steaks strapped to his body decides to go swimming with Nile crocodiles, would I be cruel if I said that he brought his own horrific death on himself by being so stupid?

Not only does smuggling drugs always have bad idea written all over it, Griner chose to do it in Russia of all places. I have no sympathy for such stupid people. Being American and famous is no excuse for this.

She wasn't smuggling drugs, she had a weed vape. See how you have to bullshit to make this seem deserved?

[Neon Lunar Eclipse]

If a stupid guy with bloody, raw steaks strapped to his body decides to go swimming with Nile crocodiles, would I be cruel if I said that he brought his own horrific death on himself by being so stupid?

Not only does smuggling drugs always have bad idea written all over it, Griner chose to do it in Russia of all places. I have no sympathy for such stupid people. Being American and famous is no excuse for this.

She wasn't smuggling drugs, she had a weed vape. See how you have to bullshit to make this seem deserved?

It's drugs under Russian law. When you travel to other countries, you obey their laws. Being famous and American doesn't give you a free pass.

[Ethel mermania]

I dont like it. I do find it very amusing in an ironic sense. I do see it as a "you think the US is bad, now learn what bad really is" moment.

No, that's not even slightly ironic that's just being vindictive. It doesn't even settle into the basic ideas of irony. If she had declared her undying allegiance to Russia and Putin it would be ironic, but she hasn't done that. If you find this funny it is purely cruel.

In a better world she wouldn't have to bring it in she could just buy it there, but this isn't a better world.

If you supposedly think it's not a big deal but instead unfortunate the Russia sees differently then you should support US efforts to release a US citizen. If you don't then you support what she was arrested for.

Its very ironic,, she whined about what a shithole country the usa is,, now she gets to find out what a shithole country really is like..

I got bigger issues with Russia than a basketball player. If we stopped sending military intelligence to the Ukrainians, I am sure she can be released.

[Ifreann]

I don't know why you're stretching for this characterisation of her as naive. She's a professional athlete who works in Russia, she probably knows the actual realities of that country much better than any smug internet poster asking what she expected.

She was on a basketball tour, if she worked there regularly she would know better.

She does work there regularly, she's played for UMMC Yekaterinburg since 2014.

I have done a lot of international travel in my life, so I do have some idea of travel restrictions and customs clearing worldwide. Full disclosure: I was almost arrested by customs in france.

The comment about being naieve was directed at King boomie. His thinking that the Russians would do a catch and release even prior to the war was where that comment was pointed.

Give or take a bribe that probably is usually what they do with rich Americans.

[Catholic America]

If America would abandon one of its citizens to the custody of their enemies then clearly she is right and America is a shitty country.

I have to admit I missed the part if you criticize the country; you are on your own.

Exactly. Biden can’t strongarm you out of this Brittany. She deserves whatever she gets.

[Atlantic Isles]

I’m not really sure what to think.

It’s pretty clear that she did commit a crime, and I don’t think her status as an athlete (or a black person, or a woman, or a lesbian, or a black gay woman, etc) means anything. She committed a crime, and the rules apply to her. She should be punished, maybe more so because she is an athlete and a role model (to some), and as such, drug use should not be tolerated.

However, I do think that Russia likely will mistreat her for a multitude of reasons. She does not deserve that. IMO, Russia and the USA ought to agree to ship her back home, where she should receive sufficient punishment for bringing a significant amount of cannabis products into Russia. Perhaps some prison time, and definitely some punishment from the WNBA, at least a suspension or fines, ideally both if not a removal from the league.

I think the way that she’s previously displayed very anti-American sentiments and is now asking for help from the very same thing that she previously protested against is horrendous, and it’s unfortunate that such a person is seen as a role model, but it’s not at all without precedent. We’ve seen it before with BLM protestors/rioters, who disrespect and generalize police officers only to call the police when someone has the audacity to tell them they’re wrong or to carry a weapon in public.

[Ifreann]

I have to admit I missed the part if you criticize the country; you are on your own.

Exactly. Biden can’t strongarm you out of this Brittany. She deserves whatever she gets.

Biden probably will get her out of this eventually.

[Atlantic Isles]

Its very ironic,, she whined about what a shithole country the usa is,, now she gets to find out what a shithole country really is like..

I have to say, I think sending all these people who bitch and moan about “aMeRiCa BaD” to an authoritarian state like China, Russia, or North Korea for a few months would straighten them out. If they still think America’s so awful after, say, 4 months, then Russia/China/North Korea can keep them.

I really wish we had a time machine that we could use to send all these self-proclaimed Marxists, communists, socialists, and the like back in time to the Soviet Union and China under Mao, Lenin, and Stalin. The number of people that idolize these dictators and mass murderers is, frankly, quite alarming.

[Necroghastia]

Its very ironic,, she whined about what a shithole country the usa is,, now she gets to find out what a shithole country really is like..

I have to say, I think sending all these people who bitch and moan about “aMeRiCa BaD” to an authoritarian state like China, Russia, or North Korea for a few months would straighten them out. If they still think America’s so awful after, say, 4 months, then Russia/China/North Korea can keep them.

I really wish we had a time machine that we could use to send all these self-proclaimed Marxists, communists, socialists, and the like back in time to the Soviet Union and China under Mao, Lenin, and Stalin. The number of people that idolize these dictators and mass murderers is, frankly, quite alarming.

TIL that saying one thing is bad means you can't find other things bad also

[Catholic America]

Exactly. Biden can’t strongarm you out of this Brittany. She deserves whatever she gets.

Biden probably will get her out of this eventually.

Sure he will give his best pal vlad a call and ask very nicely and I’m sure he will let her out.

[Heloin]

No, that's not even slightly ironic that's just being vindictive. It doesn't even settle into the basic ideas of irony. If she had declared her undying allegiance to Russia and Putin it would be ironic, but she hasn't done that. If you find this funny it is purely cruel.


If you supposedly think it's not a big deal but instead unfortunate the Russia sees differently then you should support US efforts to release a US citizen. If you don't then you support what she was arrested for.

Its very ironic,, she whined about what a shithole country the usa is,, now she gets to find out what a shithole country really is like..

That's not irony. And I have been brutalised by countries much worse than America, that doesn't change what a terrible country you have.

I got bigger issues with Russia than a basketball player. If we stopped sending military intelligence to the Ukrainians, I am sure she can be released.

I'm not sure what point you think you are making here.

[Ifreann]

I’m not really sure what to think.

It’s pretty clear that she did commit a crime, and I don’t think her status as an athlete (or a black person, or a woman, or a lesbian, or a black gay woman, etc) means anything. She committed a crime, and the rules apply to her. She should be punished, maybe more so because she is an athlete and a role model (to some), and as such, drug use should not be tolerated.

However, I do think that Russia likely will mistreat her for a multitude of reasons. She does not deserve that. IMO, Russia and the USA ought to agree to ship her back home, where she should receive sufficient punishment for bringing a significant amount of cannabis products into Russia. Perhaps some prison time, and definitely some punishment from the WNBA, at least a suspension or fines, ideally both if not a removal from the league.

I think the way that she’s previously displayed very anti-American sentiments and is now asking for help from the very same thing that she previously protested against is horrendous, and it’s unfortunate that such a person is seen as a role model, but it’s not at all without precedent. We’ve seen it before with BLM protestors/rioters, who disrespect and generalize police officers only to call the police when someone has the audacity to tell them they’re wrong or to carry a weapon in public.

You must believe, then, that America is perfect. Because if you don't believe that America is perfect then you, like Griner, have criticisms of it. And by your own standards this would mean that you ought to be sent to a North Korean prison to straighten you out.

Or perhaps are you about to tell us that any criticisms you have of America are fair and valid and should certainly not diminish your rights in any way, much less be cause for punishment, but her criticisms do void her rights and she deserves to suffer for them.

---

Biden probably will get her out of this eventually.

Sure he will give his best pal vlad a call and ask very nicely and I’m sure he will let her out.

In exchange for a Russian in American custody, yes.

[Ethel mermania]

Its very ironic,, she whined about what a shithole country the usa is,, now she gets to find out what a shithole country really is like..

That's not irony. And I have been brutalised by countries much worse than America, that doesn't change what a terrible country you have.

I got bigger issues with Russia than a basketball player. If we stopped sending military intelligence to the Ukrainians, I am sure she can be released.

I'm not sure what point you think you are making here.

Very much is the textbook definition of irony.

This is my point, US wants her out, they are going to have to trade. Stop giving intelligence to the Ukrainians, or may let the merchant of death go
https://sports.yahoo.com/russias-asking ... 49470.html

[Heloin]

That's not irony. And I have been brutalised by countries much worse than America, that doesn't change what a terrible country you have.


I'm not sure what point you think you are making here.

Very much is the textbook definition of irony.

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.

This is my point, US wants her out, they are going to have to trade. Stop giving intelligence to the Ukrainians, or may let the merchant of death go
https://sports.yahoo.com/russias-asking ... 49470.html

Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

[Ethel mermania]

Very much is the textbook definition of irony.

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.

This is my point, US wants her out, they are going to have to trade. Stop giving intelligence to the Ukrainians, or may let the merchant of death go
https://sports.yahoo.com/russias-asking ... 49470.html

Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

Oh sure post before I can fix.

I am curious why you say funny. ( honestly I don't expect Biden to do that ).

[Ethel mermania]

Very much is the textbook definition of irony.

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.

This is my point, US wants her out, they are going to have to trade. Stop giving intelligence to the Ukrainians, or may let the merchant of death go
https://sports.yahoo.com/russias-asking ... 49470.html

Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

Schadenfreude you could argue is my reaction. Whats happening to her is ironic.

[Heloin]

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.


Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

Oh sure post before I can fix.

I am curious why you say funny. ( honestly I don't expect Biden to do that ).

Viktor Bout is an insane larger than life person who if you start to learn about will almost make you love him for how often flagrantly amoral he is. I have meet someone who claimed to have worked with him in Bosnia in the theft of a quarter of a million assault rifles but this isn't relevant to the topic at hand.

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.


Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

Schadenfreude you could argue is my reaction. Whats happening to her is ironic.

If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.

[Senkaku]

No it isn't. Schadenfreude is not irony. If she was a supporter of Putin it would be ironic. If she raised funds for Russian soldiers it would be ironic. Protesting one country and getting arrested in another is not irony.


Releasing Viktor Bout in exchange for Brittney Griner would be deeply funny.

Schadenfreude you could argue is my reaction. Whats happening to her is ironic.

What does “irony” even mean to you? Do you think the Russians are normally super strict about stopping Western athletes or their own rich people from bringing a little bit of weed oil or whatever into the country? They’re trying to swap her for an arms dealer, someone shouldn’t have to be a perfect paragon of morality and in total alignment with your political views for you to at least have a slight pang of sympathy for her ending up in a Russian jail through no fault of her own. Absolutely disgusting.

[Ethel mermania]

Schadenfreude you could argue is my reaction. Whats happening to her is ironic.

What does “irony” even mean to you? Do you think the Russians are normally super strict about stopping Western athletes or their own rich people from bringing a little bit of weed oil or whatever into the country? They’re trying to swap her for an arms dealer, someone shouldn’t have to be a perfect paragon of morality and in total alignment with your political views for you to at least have a slight pang of sympathy for her ending up in a Russian jail through no fault of her own. Absolutely disgusting.

And your melodramatic moral outrage is duly noted.

[Senkaku]

Yea man. You can’t say shit about the US. MAGA MAGA MAGA.

Seriously man; you are making it sound like she was running heroin.

Cannibis is illegal in Russia. When traveling to another country, you have to obey their laws. Being an American or a famous athlete is not a pass to do illegal stuff. If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.

Being a famous/semi-well-known athlete literally is a de facto pass to do all kinds of illegal stuff lol, what are you talking about

If the Russians arrested every American athlete who’d ever brought drugs into the country half the hockey players in North America would probably be rotting in gulags rn

[WayNeacTia]

If the Russians arrested every American athlete who’d ever brought drugs into the country half the hockey players in North America would probably be rotting in gulags rn

Seeing as how hockey is huge in Russia, and basketball is not, your point fails to hold water....