BREAKING: Britney Griner Reportedly To Be Released In Prisoner Swap With Russia
Former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan not included in deal
Just happened, so there's not much to tell.
So let's do a quick three things.
One...
Britney Griner straight up for Russian arms dealer Viktor "The Merchant of Death" Bout is ridiculous. It's the worst deal since the Mets traded Nolan Ryan to the Angel's for Jim Fregosi in 1971. We gave Russia back a guy who's peripherally culpable in thousands of people's deaths, for a surly American malcontent who couldn't behave herself in a foreign country.
Two...
Former Marine Paul Whelan, who the Russians have charged with espionage and is serving a 15 year sentence, at the very least should've been included in this 'deal', and in my opinion should've clearly been prioritized over Britney Griner if it was only going to be one or the other.
Three...
As Griner is a U.S. citizen, I'm genuinely glad she's getting released. But make no mistake, this is a political, 'affirmative action' pander prisoner swap. There's no nobility in this for the Biden administration. It's business, and they took a bullshit, lopsided-in-Russia's-favor deal for political gain at home.
Watching.
Jump right in in the comments.
This woman better have some seriously "right" things to say when she gets off that plane.
The first time she bashes the U.S. in any way, I vote to send her back.