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“Congrats to Brittney Griner for Being Drug Free for 259 Days!”: Comedian Catches Flak for “Mean” Joke on WNBA Star

Published 11/04/2022, 10:00 AM EDT

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WNBA star Brittney Griner has been the center of attention over the past eight months. The 2014 WNBA champ was detained in Russia in February under drug possession charges when she landed at a Moscow Airport. She has since been sentenced to nine years in prison and her appeal has also been denied recently. Many sports personalities, celebrities, and fans have supported the cause of Brittney Griner’s release. Recently, BG’s supporters heavily criticized popular comedian Tim Young for making a mean and insensitive joke about WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Customs officers detained Griner after reportedly discovering vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil in her belongings. Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to the charges but denied breaking the law intentionally. She was sentenced to nine years in prison by a Russian regional court in August.

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During the period, the Biden Administration offered a prisoner swap for Griner and US Marine Paul Whelan in exchange for a Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout. While most of the country was in support of the swap, several conservative commentators and authors questioned the government’s move and criticized freeing a dangerous criminal for Griner’s release.

Tim Young’s Brittney Griner joke receives flak

Comedian Tim Young has received backlash with his recent comments on the Brittney Griner saga. Young wrote on Twitter, “Congrats to Brittney Griner for being drug-free for 259 days!”

The recent tweet from Tim Young was quite unacceptable for the supporters of Brittney Griner. He was subsequently condemned for his joke about Griner, who is fighting alone for her freedom in Russia.

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Fans respond to Young’s comments about Griner

Fans flooded social media to respond to Young’s Brittney Griner remark. Here are some of the reactions from the fans.

One of the fans, @OABlanchard commented, “…She’ll still be more successful, relevant, and loved, locked up in a Russian prison, than you’ll ever be as a free man.”

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Tim Young’s comments stirred some heated comments from Griner’s followers. Some fans took a shot at Young questioning his lack of empathy. So, the fans came to Brittney Griner’s rescue, sending some harsh words Young’s way.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Did WNBA star Brittney Griner date 7-ft Lakers center, Anthony Davis?

Meanwhile, Griner is dealing with the toughest moment in her life. She currently faces the threat of being sent to a Russian penal colony where she will be spending her sentence. Thus, many people including her wife Cherelle, her family, friends, fans, and the US President are pushing for Griner’s return.

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Written by:

Rohit Kumawat

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Rohit Kumawat is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing an MBA in Media and Business Management, Rohit holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has been working as a Sports and Entertainment writer for over a year.
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Edited by:

Satagni Sikder