“I know what her family is going through” Boxing legend sympathizes with Brittney Griner after US fail to intervene jail sentence


“I know what her family is going through” Boxing legend sympathizes with Brittney Griner after US fail to intervene jail sentence

Brittney Griner and Roy Jones Jr.

On Thursday, a Russian court sentenced American basketball player Brittney Griner to nine years in jail for intentionally smuggling marijuana-infused vape cartridges into Russia. Roy Jones Jr., a former world champion, is a difficult opponent. But it’s important to remember that “Captain Hook” is not simply a master of boxing; he also enjoys diplomatic operations. In fact, Jones Jr. was eager to assist WNBA star Brittney Griner by using his contacts in Russia. The trial took place when tensions over Ukraine between Moscow and Washington were at an all-time high and had the potential to spark a risky prisoner swap between the two superpowers.

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Griner was detained in Russia on February 17 after being caught bringing marijuana into the country. To get Griner out of jail and back to the United States, a prisoner exchange effort is being pursued even after the imprisonment. Legendary boxer Roy Jones Jr., who holds dual citizenship with the United States and Russia, among others, volunteered. The former professional boxer has had several meetings with both the president and Vladimir Putin, the former prime minister. ‘Captain Hook’ revealed that he was collaborating with a Russian government official to assist the WNBA star in a recent interview.

Brittney Griner and her detainment in Russia

Brittney Griner has been held by Russian police since February 17, when they arrested her at Sheremetyevo International Airport on suspicion that she was in possession of marijuana oil-containing vape cartridges, which are prohibited in that country. To increase her income and keep up her talents, Griner, like many other female basketball players, plays abroad during the WNBA summer. At the time of her arrest, Griner was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League. Griner claimed she had no idea how the cannabis oil got into her bag, but added that she had a doctor’s prescription for it and had packed quickly.

Griner, a 6-foot-9 centre and eight-time WNBA all-star, is one of the top women’s basketball players in the world. In her nine seasons, she has twice led the league in both points per game and blocks per game. When Griner was a collegiate basketball player at Baylor University, she set a record by being the seventh woman in NCAA history to slam dunk in a game. This achievement made her renowned. Griner made history off the field in 2013 after being chosen with the first pick in the WNBA draught by being the first out gay athlete to accept an endorsement contract with Nike.

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Roy Jones Jr. reacts to Griner’s imprisonment

Roy Jones Jr. asserted that he could relate to how Griner’s family may have felt as a result of the terrible imprisonment of the WNBA star. Jones Jr. stated: “I know what that girl’s family has to be going through right now, and I feel for them. Would I put my life on the line to take a chance to get to Russia to exchange prisoners for her? Yes, I would.”

Like Brittney Griner, Roy Jones Jr. is a well-known sports person. But it wasn’t the real reason he was trying to get her out. Given that he is a dual citizen of the United States and Russia, the 53-year-old is in a special situation. He was able to attempt to assist in the problem with Griner because of his position and his popularity as a fighter. Jones stated in an interview that he wanted to lend a hand since he would expect the same in return.

It is admirable and deserving of appreciation that Jones Jr. took on the added responsibilities. With his words of kindness, Jones Jr. teaches us a lot. It is unquestionably a wise use of power and influence to utilize one’s celebrity and fame to aid someone in returning home to a loved one. While under pressure to liberate Americans imprisoned in Russia, Biden urged Moscow to immediately release Griner and declared that his government will continue to strive for her freedom.

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