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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner and her grim situation are currently all over the media. Recently, a Russian court sentenced Griner to a long time in jail, which has urged NBA stars to give their reactions. Former NBA champion, Shaquille O’Neal, finally broke his silence on the issue.
O’Neal is famous for speaking out on issues surrounding the world on ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq’. On the latest episode of the fan-favorite podcast, Shaq and the co-hosts gave their thoughts regarding Griner.
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Shaq is not one to mince words on topics surrounding the basketball world and beyond. According to the 4 time NBA champion, the timing of Griner’s arrest has played an enormous role.
Moreover, the United States of America has sided with Ukraine, which is a major factor behind Griner’s situation. Shaq said, “Ukraine and Russia are at war. We have taken a side and they have something that belongs to us.”
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
Although Griner is sentenced to 9 years in prison, but all hopes are not lost for the Phoenix Mercury star. The Governments of both countries are looking to implement a prisoner exchange.
As per multiple sources, the United States of America is ready to offer a notorious arms dealer in exchange for Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan.
However, officials from Russia recently issued a strong warning for their American counterparts. “If the Americans again try to engage in public diplomacy and make loud statements about their intention to take certain steps, it’s their business, I would even say their problem.” said a Russian official.
Shaquille O’Neal shares an Instagram story in support of Brittney Griner
This is not the first time Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has shared his thoughts on Griner. Recently, he took to Instagram in order to show support for the Phoenix Mercury star.
O’Neal shared a post that compared Griner, and an American teenager convicted for similar charges in Russia. Unlike Griner, officials released the teenager just after 2 months.
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What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.
Written by
Edited by
Pritam Priyedarshi