I understand exactly what LeBron was saying.
If you felt your government turned its back on you, maybe you would consider living somewhere else. I am sure she is never going back to Russia but maybe she goes somewhere else.
People were taking LeBron’s words out of context.
LeBron James says Brittney Griner’s been in captivity for way too long without the U.S. bringing her home, so if he were the WNBA star, he’d question returning to America.
Bron made the comments during a recent taping of “The Shop” … when the conversation apparently turned to the incarcerated American hoops star.
“Now, how can she feel like America has her back? I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even want to go back to America?'”
It’s clear — at least from the short trailer that was released — that LeBron doesn’t believe the U.S. is doing nearly enough to bring BG home.
Of course, Griner was arrested in a Russian airport near Moscow in mid-February … after Russian authorities said they found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her bag.
Initially, the American public wasn’t made aware Griner was arrested … which was strategic on the part of America. With the Russia-Ukraine war waging, the U.S. knew Griner could be used by Russia to gain leverage against the West.
But, that strategy only worked for a couple of weeks. Eventually, the news got out, and it’s been one of the biggest stories since.
Griner’s case has consistently been covered in America, and across the world.
Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, recently spoke with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
(Note: in fairness to LBJ’s point, “The Shop” episode seems to have been filmed before Cherelle spoke to the president.)
LeBron decided to respond to the criticism by giving more context to his quotes.
I am not a fan of him saying it is a “beautiful country” because it isn’t, but the rest makes sense.