Brittney Griner, an American citizen and wildly talented basketball player, is one of the best and brightest stars in the WNBA. 

Griner was arrested on drug charges on February 17, 2022 in Russia after competing in the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League to make extra money, as many American players do. Before her flight to enter Russia, the Federal Security Service claimed she was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil, an illegal substance in Russia.

Just a day after President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke to her wife, Cherelle Griner, news was released today that Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to the drug charges and could face up to 10 years in prison. 

After a hand-written letter from Griner arrived on Independence Day, her wife, appearing on CBS Mornings, began pleading for the administration to take action and “Bring BG Home” — which has been a slogan for the WNBA throughout the season.

According to a statement from the White House:

“The President called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world,”

Inaction. Behind the 8 ball. Inept. Those words describe President Biden perfectly in this situation, as well as his reaction to every other problem he has faced during the previous two years as he has been the leader of the free world. 

This is an American citizen who despite her disrespect for the flag, deserves to be home with her family. Some critics claim that she deserves this, due to her statement regarding the National Anthem, “I personally don’t think [the National Anthem] belongs in sports.” However, I believe this situation goes beyond one player, regardless of her previous opinions. This is about the strength and actions of the United States when one of our own is in enemy hands. 

This shows President Biden’s weakness, and despite his adamant blaming of “RUSSIA! RUSSIA! RUSSIA!” for soaring gas prices, food shortages, etc., he is not in charge here. His words have no weight. Putin and his Russian officials aren’t scared or intimidated. 

Did Griner make a stupid decision to bring that vape pen on a plane traveling to a country on the brink of war? Of course, but it shouldn’t take 4 months of pleading to receive a substantial phone call from the President of the United States. 

This incident is more telling about our country’s current weak leadership than it tells of a country that is willing to lock a basketball player up for a decade because they have a vape pen with hash oil. 

But as always, it gets worse.

This could turn into a prisoner exchange where Russia has the upper-hand. According to reports, the Biden administration may be considering a trade: Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death,” who operated within the U.S. “to sell weapons to people who said they planned to kill Americans,” according to the New York Times, in exchange for WNBA player Brittney Griner.

Another alternative was offered by boxing legend Roy Jones Jr., who claims to have connections in Russia after training multiple Russian athletes, and was offered dual citizenship during the peak of his career, when opening a gym in the country.

An athlete with little to no diplomatic experience may be able to bridge the gap more than the sitting President, who has been involved in foreign affairs for decades.

All things considered, President Biden has shown the world his weakness. His refusal to act swiftly with strength in this situation may lead to a deadly criminal’s freedom, having endured a mere slap on the wrist for his transgressions. Talk about enabling future criminals.

It’s time to bring Bittney Griner home.