“Russia Wanted a Bargaining Chip”: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Speaks Out on Brittney Griner Controversy After LeBron James

The controversy surrounding the WNBA star Brittney Griner has sparked a lot of arguments all throughout the sporting world. Especially in the NBA. In fact, the topic has grabbed attention and transcended beyond sports. Among other major celebrities, NBA stars have also reacted to the whole situation. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was among the NBA legends to speak out on the topic but he wasn’t the first one. LeBron James also shed some light on the matter.

Brittney Griner is currently set to face about 10 years in Russian prison on accounts of drug possession. She was in Russia as she was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA offseason.

The Russian officials detained her at the airport for the possession of vape cartridges containing hashish (cannabis) oil in her luggage. A criminal case was then opened up in which the Phoenix Mercury center pleaded guilty.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke out the brutally honest opinion of how the situation panned out. Kareem agreed to the narrative that more than anything else, Griner’s arrest was politically motivated. The Russian officials arrested her on February 17, 2022. 

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron vs Kareem, comparison on court and cultural impact.

According to him, they knew which side the US government would fall on in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Kareem wrote in his blog that they could understand the effect it would have on the US. Kareem wrote, “Russia wanted a bargaining chip. So now they had a celebrity to dangle.”

Other celebrities supporting Brittney Griner like LeBron James and Joe Rogan

LeBron James among other major US celebrities publicly appealed for her release. James shared a Change.org petition (“Secure Brittney Griner’s Swift and Safe Return to the U​.​S.”), explaining, “It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately addresses this human rights issue and does whatever is necessary to return Brittney home.”

On the other hand, Joe Rogan also spoke out his mind about the whole situation. He said that she was the clearest case of a political prisoner. Joe Rogan had the same view as that of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Celebrities who publicly support Griner include Kim Kardashian, Amy Schumer, Kerry Washington, among others.

While a certain section is vociferously supporting Griner, there are also those who are more sceptical. As per them, if she has done something illegal, consequences are bound to follow. These are just two sides of the public opinion.

Also read: “Brittney Griner Broke the Law”: Nick Adams, Who Called for LeBron James to Be Sent to Russia, Refuses to feel “Sorry” for Jailed WNBA Star

LeBron James, who is a global star and a fan favorite, also got a lot of “hate” for showing utmost sympathy and desire to bring her back. Brittney, 31, is now set to face 10 years in Russian prison.