Brittney Griner like many WNBA players, played basketball in a foreign country during the WNBA off-season to increase her income. In February, Griner was detained in Russia after cannabis oil was found in her luggage. She has been in custody in Russia since that day. Her trial started in Russia last week, she faces years in prison there upon conviction. Recently, Griner wrote a letter to the White House asking them to help her gain her freedom. National Security Spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement yesterday (Monday) " The U.S. Government continues to work aggressively using every available means to bring her home". A few months ago, it was reported that the Russian government was willing to free Griner as part of a prisoner swap. Those talks have not resurfaced in recent months, at least not publicly. We know that the Biden campaign in 2020 was using "identity politics". So, helping to free Griner would certainly fit into that, as she is not only a minority female but also openly lesbian. With that said, she checks boxes for the identity politics style they have used. However, it should be noted that Griner has not exactly been the most patriotic prior to being locked up in Russia. She was very open about her disdain for the National Anthem, calling on the WNBA to stop playing the anthem at their game. In her letter, she talked about her new found perspective on July 4th. However, in the past she was openly opposed to the celebration of July 4th, as in her opinion it represented a reminder of America's history of slavery. It seems that Griner has a new tune, some might say that it is pandering, sort of how the Biden administration has also been known to pander. With all that said, should the U.S. government come to Griner's rescue? Let us know, below.
