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The masses divided when Joe Biden announced the return of Brittney Griner. Despite her 294-day stay detained in Russia, many felt the US Administration should have taken a different route. Notably, one that prioritized former US Marine, Paul Whelan. Officials hoped to forge a deal to bring both the WNBA star as well as the 52-year-old back. However, as they had to take the tough call to leave him behind, there has been plenty of backlash. While many have stood in favor of Whelan, one man had some heat toward him. Former NFL running back O.J. Simpson spoke on Whelan in a recent podcast.

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During the peak of his popularity, Simpson was arguably one of the greatest running backs of all time. He was the first player in NFL history to record a season with 2,000 rushing yards. The 1973 MVP managed to remain popular as an actor after retiring. However, he took the global spotlight during the ‘Trial of the century’. The 75-year-old was charged with the murder of his ex-wife,  Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. The trial ended with Juice being acquitted.

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Now, as a man watching from afar, he gave his opinion on the recent Brittney Griner saga. Shockingly, he revealed some secrets about Whelan while appearing on the Full Send podcast.

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O.J Simpson goes after Paul Whelan amidst Brittney Griner backlash

While speaking to the hosts, Juice openly expressed his views on the news surrounding the seven-time WNBA All-Star. The 75-year-old said there was no alternative with Russia willing to trade Whelan. In addition, he also questioned the former POTUS, Donald Trump for not taking any action. Reportedly, Trump shared a relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin. With that in mind, Simpson confusingly pointed out his efforts to bring back the former marine.

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What followed was shocking on many fronts. The former NFL running back spoke about a conversation he had with two former US Marine officers over Whelan. Simpson narrated, “I found out some things about Whelan that was kind of disillusioning.” He continued, “Let me put it this way. I played golf with two retired marines, and you know, it has more to do with the marines stuff.” 

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Going back to his stance on Brittney Griner, Simpson admitted he was glad she got her freedom. Moreover, he also feels the US officials can find someone to work out an exchange for Whelan as well. A couple of days ago marked four years of the US Marine’s detention in Russia.

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Despite getting her freedom, Griner was heartbroken to find out Whelan wouldn’t be part of the exchange. She even urged fans to write letters to the American detainee to keep his spirits high. As time flies by, do you think Biden and the US officials can devise an exchange for the Marine? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,491 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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Gideon Mathson

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