• Loading stock data...
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now
Law

U.S. Government Offers Arms Dealer in Trade for Griner, Whelan

  • WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for 160 days after a drug possession charge.
  • Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in the United States
Mural-of-Americans-detained-abroad
Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The U.S. government has finally made a move to get WNBA superstar Brittney Griner home — but one that could cause more controversy.

On Wednesday, the Biden Administration reportedly offered imprisoned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Griner and Paul Whelan, per CNN.

Griner has been notoriously detained in Russia for 160 days following her arrest for drug possession. Whelan was arrested for espionage in Moscow in 2018 and sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison in 2020.

Bout, on the other hand, was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in an American prison for conspiring to sell weapons to a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist group in 2011.

The swap is largely seen as a departure from U.S. policy: the Justice Department generally opposes prisoner trades.

But several high-ranking officials — including reportedly president Joe Biden — have changed their views in recent weeks, seeing a Bout trade as the only way to get Griner and Whelan home.

Griner testified at her trial Wednesday that a Russian interpreter only translated a fraction of what was being said to her when she was arrested in February. Griner also said she was given no explanation of her rights at the time.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Iowa’s Kate Martin waves to the crowd during a celebration of the Iowa women’s basketball team Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

WNBA’s Valkyries Assemble Roster With Fan Favorite Kate Martin

It’s the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008.

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.

Unrivaled Gives Flau’jae Johnson Equity in Second College Deal

The LSU star and rapper joins Paige Bueckers as NIL signings.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Tyson

Gambling Company Sues Mike Tyson, Says He Blew Off Deal to Fight..

Tyson recently lost a highly anticipated fight to Jake Paul in Texas.
James Dolan
December 3, 2024

James Dolan’s MSG Sports Declares War on Bootleg T-Shirt Vendors

The Knicks and Rangers are suing counterfeit merchandise vendors outside of MSG.
James Dolan
December 5, 2024

Judge Orders MSG Bootleg Merch Sellers to Cut It Out, Appear in..

MSG Sports, the Knicks, and Rangers sued the vendors Monday.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
December 3, 2024

Shohei Ohtani Seeks Baseball Cards From Interpreter in Federal Case

Ohtani’s former translator is expected to be sentenced for bank and tax fraud.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
Tyreek Hill
November 26, 2024

Tyreek Hill Still Plans to Sue Miami-Dade Police After Charges Dropped, Lawyer..

The officers who arrested him in September did not appear in court. 
NFL QB Baker Mayfield
November 26, 2024

Baker Mayfield Sues Father’s Company for $12 Million

The suit says money transfers happened “without authorization.”