Brittney Griner discussed Paul Whelan’s situation in her first post to the outside world after being released. NBA fans might be aware of the situation already as her wife already addressed the issue. The WNBA star was sentenced to be in jail for almost a decade. However, she was released through a prisoner swap within 10 months.
While a large reason behind taking the initiative to rescue Griner was public sympathy, we should still remember that there are others trapped in Russia. Paul Whelan, a former US marine was accused of spying and has been imprisoned in Russia as well.
“My bags are packed. I’m ready to go home. I just need an airplane to come and get me.”
– Paul Wheelan, Marine Biden left behind in Russia pic.twitter.com/h03qnTFds4
— Yo (@Sellyohouse) December 9, 2022
We should certainly want to know what Griner had to say about him and her feelings for his plight. After all, both of them have gone through and are still going through something that not many of us can easily imagine.
Brittney Griner believes Biden is committed to bringing Paul Wheelan home as well
People should never be put in a situation to decide between human lives. That would suggest that one person is inherently better and deserves saving, while the other does not. Unfortunately, that is what it looks like the United States has done.
Brittney Griner being released in exchange for a convicted arms dealer.
What about Retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan?
— Mayra Flores (@MayraFlores2022) December 8, 2022
Our federal government just agreed to release the Merchant of Death for Brittney Griner, but not Paul Whelan…let that sink in🤷🏻♂️
— Philip Heness (@philip_heness) December 8, 2022
Fans certainly feel that Putin got the better of Biden in this exchange. They are not completely wrong. After all, cant the merchant of death be worth the lives of two Americans? However, that clearly did not happen and the United States was only able to facilitate the exchange and release of the Phoenix Mercury star.
They free her for bringing something illegal but they don’t free Paul wheelan who was accused of spying. But free her since shes gay pic.twitter.com/w7zQEWYnsa
— Joshua (@joshuatnt890) December 8, 2022
Once Brittney is released, the majority of public sympathy would fade away. Nonetheless, she revealed to have faith in the Biden administration and their efforts to secure the release of Paul Whelan as well.
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole.”
View this post on Instagram
We truly hope that Brittney’s words are legitimate. She will certainly do everything in her power to help aid the release of another American. However, having the interest to do something and the actual capabilities are very different. In any case, we hope the United States is able to successfully negotiate the release of Paul Whelan.
