# Why no critical discussion on Brittney Griner's drug bust? {She's been released as of 2022-12-08} **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 27, 2022, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668 "2022-07-27T20:50:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/61 "2022-07-29T12:25:39Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > My main concern remains that we have citizens who flout foreign laws with little to no public pushback, and then we expect our government to pick up the pieces, Again, I will ask, what pushback do you believe should be happening? Tell me exactly what should be said or done to satisfy your desire for “pushback”, and tell me who should say it, and tell me what outcome you want to achieve. Because when you post this: > [@spifflog](#): > > He’s neither black, nor female, nor gay or a professional athlete. I think you’re correct in that all that matters to a left-leaning Administration … it’s not clear what you actually want. Do you want Fogel to get more help? Do you want Griner to get less help? Can you state in explicit terms what should change in both cases, or is this whole topic just a vehicle for gripes about media bias? ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/62 "2022-07-29T13:30:03Z")
Every bit of media I have seen has been very sympathetic to Griner. The sole emphasis has been on her “inadvertent” and “hasty packing,” and her uncomfortable treatment. I would think this an opportunity to educate the American public that they need to be far more careful when they choose to travel to locations that might not respect human rights to the extent a westerner might hope. And there might be some - at least mild criticism - over the costs and position this individual’s actions are causing the US to incur. Or maybe a discussion of what should be done to help irresponsible Americans abroad. That could be FAR SHORT or saying she should rot in Russian jail. But I have seen NOTHING to suggest even limited discussions of this sort. I admit, my familiarity has largely been limited to the Chicago Tribune and NPR. But the overwhelming support for Griner on these boards has caused me to suspect such position somewhat widely held. Which - IMO - is consistent with the increasingly widely held position that (at least some) people ought not bear the repercussions of their irresponsible behavior. And - as a US citizen who felt his government lied it’s way into invading Iraq, that has a criminal justice system that disproportionately disadvantages minorities, and that recently had Trump as president - I’m relieved to learn that Russia is the only government that ought not be believed without reservation! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/63 "2022-07-29T13:30:11Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > My main concern remains that we have citizens who flout foreign laws with little to no public pushback, and then we expect our government to pick up the pieces I am concerned that you accept Russia’s account of what happened so readily. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/64 "2022-07-29T14:05:30Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I am concerned that you accept Russia’s account of what happened so readily. I was in the military through the last 10 years of the cold war and I’m a bit of a foreign relations junkie. I have a healthy distrust of Russia and totalitarian regimes. But I can’t ignore that Brittney has lived a self-entitled life as a professional athlete, where many young athletes have embraced pot and an acceptance of the drug culture. She’s had some violence issues as well. None of this makes her a bad person, but it’s not hard for me to image that marijuana is part of her life and she feels entitled to do what she wants or that the rules don’t apply to her. And as importantly, I’m surprised that the main stream media seems to agree. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/65 "2022-07-29T14:07:35Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I am concerned that you accept Russia’s account of what happened so readily. Have you heard anything to contradict her own admission that she brought the contraband into Russia - albeit inadvertently? ISTM, that the Russian misrepresentation was to the matter of degree, NOT the that SOME underlying offense occurred. And many folk are offering their opinions - of whatever merit - as to how Russia generally treats similar situations. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/66 "2022-07-29T14:16:01Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > And as importantly, I’m surprised that the main stream media seems to agree. “Main stream media”, hmmm? What “media” do you take _your_ news from? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/67 "2022-07-29T14:22:20Z")
I support providing Griner help and representation by the State Dept. Negotiate for her release. I can’t support trading her for Viktor Bout. He once worked for the GRU, the Soviet foreign military intelligence agency. This is the worst possible time to release him. The Russians will have him back in business very quickly. Cite: [Who is Viktor Bout? Russian arms dealer known as the "Merchant of Death" swapped for Brittney Griner - CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/viktor-bout-russia-arms-dealer-merchant-of-death-brittney-griner-paul-whelan/) > [@](#): > > Bout, a former Soviet military translator turned international arms dealer, has been imprisoned for more than a decade after he was lured to Thailand in a Drug Enforcement Administration sting operation that spanned three continents. > > “Viktor Bout, in my eyes, is one of the most dangerous men on the face of the Earth,” Michael Braun, the former chief of operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, told “[60 Minutes](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/viktor-bout-capturing-the-merchant-of-death/)” in 2010. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/68 "2022-07-29T14:26:19Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Have you heard anything to contradict her own admission that she brought the contraband into Russia - albeit inadvertently? An admission that happened while she was in Russian custody and looking at draconian measures of punishment’s. Could it be the old “Say this and it will go easier on you” ruse. Then it doesn’t go easier, you just get played. Again, why would anyone believe anything about this story that is coming out of Russia and being manipulated by those thugs? Perhaps they choose to hang her with a marijuana charge just because she was a known user and it would work to their advantage to push that point. These Mother Fuckers just invaded a peaceful country that was of no threat to them. Why are people believing anything they say or do? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/69 "2022-07-29T14:29:54Z")
Why no discussion of trading Britney Spears for Brittney Griner? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/70 "2022-07-29T14:58:28Z")
Griner must have a better publicist. Another American is in jail in Russia [for the identical “crime”](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) and nobody’s ever heard of him. The other American in the proposed exchange, Paul Whelan, sounds like a real sack of… manure. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/71 "2022-07-29T14:59:53Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > “Main stream media”, hmmm? What “media” do you take _your_ news from? New York Times (subscribe) Washington Post (subscribe) CNN USAToday (subscribe) The Economist (subscribe) Disappointed / surprised that Fox News isn’t on the list?? You assumed incorrectly. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/72 "2022-07-29T15:01:52Z")
The only one “assuming” here is you. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/73 "2022-07-29T15:05:14Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Griner must have a better publicist. Another American is in jail in Russia [for the identical “crime”](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) and nobody’s ever heard of him. …nothing says “nobody’s ever heard of him” more than editorial space on the Washington Post and the multiple articles published about him just _today_. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/74 "2022-07-29T15:13:44Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > But I can’t ignore that Brittney has lived a self-entitled life as a professional athlete, where many young athletes have embraced pot and an acceptance of the drug culture. …you could ignore it if you wanted too. Because you’ve presented zero evidence that Griner lives an “entitled life” (lack of pay opportunities is just one of the reasons why she is playing in Russia) , that she has embraced pot outside of medicinal reasons, or that she is embracing “drug culture” whatever the heck that you mean by that. There is absolutely no reason to associate Griner with these distasteful stereotypes. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/75 "2022-07-29T15:21:38Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > These Mother Fuckers just invaded a peaceful country that was of no threat to them. Why are people believing anything they say or do? Reading a sentence like this taken out of context, it is sad that you cannot assume it is not about the US. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/76 "2022-07-29T15:24:46Z")
True, its a sad commentary about the state of things. That people can be and are used as pawns in the international posturing of nations. You would think that people would recognize it for what it is and not about Brittney Griner and her life choices. Russia basically grabbed the highest profile private American citizen in their country at the time of the Ukraine invasion and held her hostage. In fact I’d say they targeted her specifically because of her lifestyle choices, knowing it would divide Americans along political lines. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/77 "2022-07-29T15:46:43Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > > [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > > > Griner must have a better publicist. Another American is in jail in Russia [for the identical “crime”](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2022/07/28/marc-fogel-teacher-russia-prison/) and nobody’s ever heard of him. > > …nothing says “nobody’s ever heard of him” more than editorial space on the Washington Post and the multiple articles published about him just _today_. The timing of her arrest, right around the invasion of Ukraine made some people, like me, suspicious that it was a stunt. His arrest didn’t have that timing. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/78 "2022-07-29T17:15:41Z")
> [@spifflog](#): > > Having said that, a right leaning Administration would have it’s own emphasis that we might take issue with. Oddly, this story comes to mind: > **[Explained: The assault case against rapper A$AP Rocky, and the US govt’s...](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/us-rapper-asap-rocky-donald-trump-release-sweden-5875908/)** > > Video footage published by the tabloid Aftonbladet appeared to show Rocky and his associates fighting with two men. As the video circulated, clips were posted on A$AP Rocky’s Instagram account showing a security guard telling locals to stop following... ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/79 "2022-07-29T18:37:14Z")
Griner knew about the travel advisory and went anyway. I can’t justify giving her any special consideration. Drugs in luggage can get people locked up in a lot of countries. There’s other detained Americans in Russia that have already served time. They should get out first. The political situation in Russia will calm down in a year or two. A resonable deal can be made for a prisoner swap. One that doesn’t include a major arms dealer and possibly a Russian asset. There’s a famous story about John McCain. He was offered a chance to go home early. He refused for several reasons. One was the longest serving POW’s should go home first. Cite [As a POW in Vietnam, John McCain refused release until his fellow prisoners were freed, making him a hero in the eyes of many | Business Insider India](https://www.businessinsider.in/As-a-POW-in-Vietnam-John-McCain-refused-release-until-his-fellow-prisoners-were-freed-making-him-a-hero-in-the-eyes-of-many/articleshow/65555613.cms) > **[Brittney Griner Testifies She Was Aware Of Travel Warning, But Wanted To Help...](https://www.tmz.com/2022/07/27/brittney-griner-testifies-court-aware-of-travel-advisory-but-wanted-to-help-my-team/)** > > Brittney Griner says she knew the U.S. government advised citizens not to travel to Russia, but testified she went to help her basketball team. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668/80 "2022-07-29T18:48:24Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > There’s a famous story about John McCain. He was offered a chance to go home early. He refused for several reasons. One was the longest serving POW’s should go home first. This was an admirable thing to do, but it was also required by the 1955 Code of Conduct for Members of the United States Armed Forces (Executive Order 10631, August 17, 1955). [https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Executive\_Order\_10631](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Executive_Order_10631) > [@](#): > > Article III > If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. **I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy**. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-critical-discussion-on-brittney-griners-drug-bust-shes-been-released-as-of-2022-12-08/968668.md?page=5)