WNBA All-Star, Brittney Griner, has made headlines ever since coming back home. Her return was welcomed with mixed opinions, as ex-marine, Paul Whelan, was left in Russia. The WNBA pre-season has started, and Griner is part of the Phoenix Mercury this season. She has previously won a WNBA title with the team and has many fans eagerly waiting to see her back on the court.
It was a huge decision for the Biden Administration to choose between Griner and Whelan. It was an exchange deal between the two nations, where the US would send over Victor Bout back to Russia. Some fans were not happy when the deal was made, calling it the worst trade deal. This brought backlash to the Biden administration, however, Griner is adamant to continue fighting for Whelan’s return.
Daniel Reed Crenshaw a former United State Navy SEA Lofficer, now serving as an American politician defended Griner. Fans have often called Griner an ‘Anti-American’ after her comments on the national anthem. That the national anthem shouldn’t necessarily be played before every game.
In an interview with Fox News, Crenshaw defended Griner when interviewed. “What do you want to hear from her now that she’s returned?” to which Crenshaw defended her in her statement. “Look, she doesn’t owe us an explanation necessarily,” Crenshaw said.
“I’m glad she’s home, alright? She’s in Houston…The question we’re all asking from the policy and political level is, was this a proper trade? Generally, when you’re gonna trade prisoners, there has to be some substance involved. There has to be standardization as to what you’re trading for,” continued Crenshaw.
Brittney Griner was heavily criticized for her remarks against the US National Anthem
There have been many questions raised about why Griner is termed as an Anti-American by numerous people. Griner in the past expressed her opinion about playing the National Anthem before sporting events. She even knelt during the National Anthem, which is a disrespectful gesture.
Brittney Griner better stand at attention with her hand over her heart every time she hears that anthem now.
If she kneels ever again, she should be sent right back to Russia.
— Lavern Spicer 🇺🇸 (@lavern_spicer) December 8, 2022
“When the National Anthem deemed the National Anthem (in 1931), Black people didn’t have rights at that point. It’s hard disrespecting a song that didn’t even represent all Americans when it was first made. It’s not played at Walmart, it’s not played when you go to Six Flags. Why is it played before sporting events?” Griner said.
With the statement Griner made, she also made clear that she doesn’t disrespect the National Anthem. “I don’t mean that in any disrespect to our country. My dad was in Vietnam and a law officer for 30 years. I wanted to be a cop before basketball. I do have pride for my country,” Griner continued. However, her remarks would come back to haunt her when she was traded back to America.
