Brittney Griner

[seeyalater52]

Omgomgomgomg

I’m so relieved I feel like I’m going to cry.

[Velar Fricative]

I just saw the breaking alert. What a relief!

[estrellita]

So happy to hear this!!

[erbear]

I wish they had been able to get Whelan out too but it’s such a different case and I’m so relieved to hear at least this news.

[spindle92]

I have tears in my eyes hearing this news.

[pixy0stix]

I'm so glad!

[prettyinpearls]

Dec 8, 2022 9:12:13 GMT -5 erbear said:

I wish they had been able to get Whelan out too but it’s such a different case and I’m so relieved to hear at least this news.

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

[ellipses84]

Aug 5, 2022 12:47:13 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

1 fucking NBA contract for 1 year is larger than the ENTIRE WNBA league for a year.

It's bullshit.

Aside from that discrepancy, there’s been a lot of headlines in the media and debate about the WNBA players asking for “equal” pay….but they aren’t asking for an equal dollar amount. All they are asking for is an equal percentage of the revenue that the NBA players get. For example, if NBA players get 10% of the profit coming from things like merchandise sales, the WNBA players are asking for 10% of the WNBA profit for merchandising sales. Currently the WNBA players aren’t making equivalent percentage on things like jerseys being sold with their own names on them.

[cattledogkisses]

Dec 8, 2022 10:19:31 GMT -5 prettyinpearls said:

Dec 8, 2022 9:12:13 GMT -5 erbear said:

I wish they had been able to get Whelan out too but it’s such a different case and I’m so relieved to hear at least this news.

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

Yes, from what I'm reading this was not a scenario where the US got to choose one or the other to bring home.  Russia was willing to negotiate for Griner, and unfortunately they weren't willing to negotiate for Whelan. 

His family has been so gracious with their public statements and expressing their happiness for Griner's family, amidst what I'm sure is heart-breaking disappointment for them.  I hope they (and the families of all other Americans who are being wrongfully detained by foreign states) get to see their loved one come home soon too.

And I hope the Griners have the most amazing holidays together!

[bronxgirl]

So nice to get some good news. I am so happy for her and her family. While I'm grateful that she is finally released, I can't help thinking about the lasting effect this trauma will have on her.

[mrsukyankee]

What fabulous news!

[mrshandy]

Wonderful news!!

[picksthemusic]

Such great news!

[suzyp]

Dec 8, 2022 11:07:57 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

Dec 8, 2022 10:19:31 GMT -5 prettyinpearls said:

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

Yes, from what I'm reading this was not a scenario where the US got to choose one or the other to bring home.  Russia was willing to negotiate for Griner, and unfortunately they weren't willing to negotiate for Whelan. 

His family has been so gracious with their public statements and expressing their happiness for Griner's family, amidst what I'm sure is heart-breaking disappointment for them.  I hope they (and the families of all other Americans who are being wrongfully detained by foreign states) get to see their loved one come home soon too.

And I hope the Griners have the most amazing holidays together!

I am happy that Biden made this clear in the news conference this morning that they did not pick who would be released.

Whelan is also a completely different situation - he as convicted of spying - not that I consider anything Russia does on the up and up (and I think they would have simply killed him or he would have had some mysterious fall and died if he was actually a spy). That's a lot different than BG and some hashish oil.  

[spindle92]

I should know better than to read the comments on mainstream media articles following this situation - people are fucking disgusting.

[Deleted]

Dec 8, 2022 19:01:21 GMT -5 spindle92 said:

I should know better than to read the comments on mainstream media articles following this situation - people are fucking disgusting.

I already unfriended a relative due to her nasty comments about BG. Good riddance!

[momof2ms]

Can’t believe Victor Bout stole my nickname…

[chchchia]

Dec 8, 2022 10:19:31 GMT -5 prettyinpearls said:

Dec 8, 2022 9:12:13 GMT -5 erbear said:

I wish they had been able to get Whelan out too but it’s such a different case and I’m so relieved to hear at least this news.

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

[somersault72]

Dec 12, 2022 7:08:00 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Dec 8, 2022 10:19:31 GMT -5 prettyinpearls said:

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

My husband started in on "but, but a Marine" and I started looking into Paul Whelan, because I admittedly knew NOTHING about him, and yeah no one ever mentions the fact that he was kicked out for larceny, identity theft etc. I don't think a lot of people know that, surprise surprise. Anyway, when I told my husband this, he was like "yeah just leave him over there, then."

[bronxgirl]

Dec 12, 2022 8:33:10 GMT -5 somersault72 said:

Dec 12, 2022 7:08:00 GMT -5 chchchia said:

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

My husband started in on "but, but a Marine" and I started looking into Paul Whelan, because I admittedly knew NOTHING about him, and yeah no one ever mentions the fact that he was kicked out for larceny, identity theft etc. I don't think a lot of people know that, surprise surprise. Anyway, when I told my husband this, he was like "yeah just leave him over there, then."

Wow, I didn't know any of that about him.

[TR]

Dec 12, 2022 8:33:10 GMT -5 somersault72 said:

Dec 12, 2022 7:08:00 GMT -5 chchchia said:

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

My husband started in on "but, but a Marine" and I started looking into Paul Whelan, because I admittedly knew NOTHING about him, and yeah no one ever mentions the fact that he was kicked out for larceny, identity theft etc. I don't think a lot of people know that, surprise surprise. Anyway, when I told my husband this, he was like "yeah just leave him over there, then."

I'd be willing to bet that 99.99% of the people running their mouths now didn't know anything about him until Britney Griner's release.

[chchchia]

Dec 12, 2022 17:27:48 GMT -5 TR said:

Dec 12, 2022 8:33:10 GMT -5 somersault72 said:

My husband started in on "but, but a Marine" and I started looking into Paul Whelan, because I admittedly knew NOTHING about him, and yeah no one ever mentions the fact that he was kicked out for larceny, identity theft etc. I don't think a lot of people know that, surprise surprise. Anyway, when I told my husband this, he was like "yeah just leave him over there, then."

I'd be willing to bet that 99.99% of the people running their mouths now didn't know anything about him until Britney Griner's release.

Not to mention he’s a citizen of more than one other country, they can get him out.

[klee23]

Dec 12, 2022 7:08:00 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Dec 8, 2022 10:19:31 GMT -5 prettyinpearls said:

And of course all I'm seeing from the right is "How dare they leave a Marine behind but bring home a professional athlete who won't even stand for the national anthem!!" 

It's enraging. Even his brother is making public comment that they understand they're two totally different situations and they're glad BG is coming home.  

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

Do you mean Marc Fogel? I am in the Pittsburgh suburbs so his story has playing on and off for 16 months or so. He's unproblematic from all accounts- 61 year old teacher who was in Russia to teach, had medical marijuana in his bag that he uses for pain after spinal surgery.

As far as politicians advocating for him- our Senator Casey is a good egg but the local Rep Reschenthaler is garbage. Even before Grinier's release he was calling Biden's difficulty negotiating the release "bureaucratic nonsense" - not a very diplomatic statement as part of a bipartisan effort to show a united effort to the state department.

[katfco]

Even Paul Whelan's family has gone on the record saying they hold no ill will for how this has played out.

[Deleted]

I’m amazed by BG’s positivity and warmth after all she’s been through. Those who have had contact with her on the flight and since her return have comment about how lovely she is, and how kind she was to everyone. It sounds like she’s genuinely a very big-hearted person, evidenced by all who know her. She was even kind and friendly to those in the penal colony with her! What a classy lady.

I am fairly certain that if I had been in her shoes, I would probably would not have had the positive outlook and amazing attitude that she did.

[erbear]

Dec 12, 2022 19:04:58 GMT -5 @villainv said:

I’m amazed by BG’s positivity and warmth after all she’s been through. Those who have had contact with her on the flight and since her return have comment about how lovely she is, and how kind she was to everyone. It sounds like she’s genuinely a very big-hearted person, evidenced by all who know her. She was even kind and friendly to those in the penal colony with her! What a classy lady.

I am fairly certain that if I had been in her shoes, I would probably would not have had the positive outlook and amazing attitude that she did.

Yeah, I read an article today that interviewed the negotiations guy. He said she got on the plane, greeted everyone by asking names, and chatted for 12 of the 18 hour flight to the people on board. I hope she continues to do well.

Marc Fogel needs to get some attention too.

[chchchia]

Dec 12, 2022 18:33:06 GMT -5 klee23 said:

Dec 12, 2022 7:08:00 GMT -5 chchchia said:

I am saying this as an honorably discharged veteran, fuck Paul Whelan.  He was kicked out of the Corps for stealing and I think he's a spy and not for us.  They float his Corps picture around as if he's some kind of hero, which he is far from. I was so happy when Brittany got released, her exercising her freedom of speech by standing or not standing for the anthem has no bearing nor should it on her release.  There is another guy who is over there in russian prison for weed and if there is no backstory on him, we should get him back too.  JMHO.

Do you mean Marc Fogel? I am in the Pittsburgh suburbs so his story has playing on and off for 16 months or so. He's unproblematic from all accounts- 61 year old teacher who was in Russia to teach, had medical marijuana in his bag that he uses for pain after spinal surgery.

As far as politicians advocating for him- our Senator Casey is a good egg but the local Rep Reschenthaler is garbage. Even before Grinier's release he was calling Biden's difficulty negotiating the release "bureaucratic nonsense" - not a very diplomatic statement as part of a bipartisan effort to show a united effort to the state department.

Yes, I couldn't think of his name but that's him!

[bears]

Dec 12, 2022 17:45:30 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Dec 12, 2022 17:27:48 GMT -5 TR said:

I'd be willing to bet that 99.99% of the people running their mouths now didn't know anything about him until Britney Griner's release.

Not to mention he’s a citizen of more than one other country, they can get him out.

I'm trying to read up on him and some things sound odd. "Whelan, a US Marine veteran, former sheriff’s deputy and corporate security expert, holds American, Irish, British, and Canadian citizenship." He was born in Canada to British parents with Irish heritage, ended up in the US, so that explains the how.  Is there a reasonable WHY here--the only thing I could think of would be to have multiple passports (I could see lots of valid reasons for having citizenship of 2 countries, but 4 seems like a lot), so it isn't apparent to any one country where you are traveling.

I've seen sources where Whelan has said that a friend gave him a thumb drive and he thought it had pictures of holiday pictures but that it was planted on him.

time.com/6239757/paul-whelan-still-imprisoned-brittney-griner/

www.reuters.com/world/paul-whelan-ex-us-marine-jailed-russia-spying-charges-2022-12-08/

[chchchia]

Dec 13, 2022 10:53:41 GMT -5 bears said:

Dec 12, 2022 17:45:30 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Not to mention he’s a citizen of more than one other country, they can get him out.

I'm trying to read up on him and some things sound odd. "Whelan, a US Marine veteran, former sheriff’s deputy and corporate security expert, holds American, Irish, British, and Canadian citizenship." He was born in Canada to British parents with Irish heritage, ended up in the US, so that explains the how.  Is there a reasonable WHY here--the only thing I could think of would be to have multiple passports (I could see lots of valid reasons for having citizenship of 2 countries, but 4 seems like a lot), so it isn't apparent to any one country where you are traveling.

I've seen sources where Whelan has said that a friend gave him a thumb drive and he thought it had pictures of holiday pictures but that it was planted on him.

time.com/6239757/paul-whelan-still-imprisoned-brittney-griner/

www.reuters.com/world/paul-whelan-ex-us-marine-jailed-russia-spying-charges-2022-12-08/

Everything about Paul Whelan is sus to me.  His family didn't even know he got a bad conduct discharge, and 4 citizenships seems excessive to me.  The one thing I do know, he is not the honorable Marine everyone is making him out to be.  

[scm1011]

Dec 13, 2022 15:44:35 GMT -5 chchchia said:

Dec 13, 2022 10:53:41 GMT -5 bears said:

I'm trying to read up on him and some things sound odd. "Whelan, a US Marine veteran, former sheriff’s deputy and corporate security expert, holds American, Irish, British, and Canadian citizenship." He was born in Canada to British parents with Irish heritage, ended up in the US, so that explains the how.  Is there a reasonable WHY here--the only thing I could think of would be to have multiple passports (I could see lots of valid reasons for having citizenship of 2 countries, but 4 seems like a lot), so it isn't apparent to any one country where you are traveling.

I've seen sources where Whelan has said that a friend gave him a thumb drive and he thought it had pictures of holiday pictures but that it was planted on him.

time.com/6239757/paul-whelan-still-imprisoned-brittney-griner/

www.reuters.com/world/paul-whelan-ex-us-marine-jailed-russia-spying-charges-2022-12-08/

Everything about Paul Whelan is sus to me.  His family didn't even know he got a bad conduct discharge, and 4 citizenships seems excessive to me.  The one thing I do know, he is not the honorable Marine everyone is making him out to be.  

I have 3 passports (US, Irish, British) for zero nefarious reasons (or even practical ones beyond wanting an escape plan in case the country went to shit).