Controversy follows.
Yesterday it was announced that Brittney Griner, one of the WNBA’s premier stars, had received a nine-year sentence over the charge that she smuggled drugs into Russia. Griner, who was detained upon entering Sheremetyevo airport outside of Moscow on February 7th of this year when vape cartridges containing hash oil was discovered in her luggage. Mere weeks later, Russia invaded Ukraine throwing the whole business into much disarray, Griner becoming pawn in new cold-ish war etc.
Well, days ago the Phoenix Mercury center received her official sentence. Nine years in a penal colony for drug smuggling. Reaction, from celebrities and notable personalities from across the political spectrum was swift and universally damning of the severe punishment.
United States President Joe Biden declared, “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.”
US Basketball released a statement reading, “We continue to support BG however we can and remain engaged with the U.S. State Department as it works diligently to being her home. The bravery Brittney is demonstrating in the face of these unimaginable circumstances speaks to the person she is and the strength she possesses. We will not be satisfied until BG is back in the U.S. and reunited with her loved ones, teammates and fans.”
Popular podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan added, “This is some really horrible shit. I hope some sort of a deal can be made to get her out, and I hope this makes us look at our own policies here in America where thousands of people are in jail for cannabis right now.”
To which the world’s most important surfer Kelly Slater responded, “Imagine plants being illegal. Horrible situation for her and also plenty of Americans. Hopefully her situation will effect change everywhere.”
Slater’s boldly pro-plant stance was applauded by many but lightly questioned by a surprising number.
@rena_lapres informed the 11x professional surfing champion “coke comes from a plant and is illegal.
@henerlyhendo added, “same with opium.”
@Ohkaygomez stretched with, “beer comes from a flower and wheat but it’s illegal to drive drunk.”
Slater, at time of writing, is yet to respond to his critics though where do you fall, here?
Should all plants be legal?
Food for thought.