Viktor Bout Talked About Trades With Brittney Griner Of WNBA
A federal court gave Viktor Bout, a well-known Russian arms trader, a 25-year term in 2011 for many offenses, including conspiring to kill American civilians and government officials, transporting anti-aircraft missiles, and aiding a terrorist group. Yet, he was released in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange involving American basketball player Brittney Griner.
At Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, customs officers detained Griner, a WNBA player for the Phoenix Mercury. She reported finding cannabis in vape cartridges in her baggage on February 17, 2022. She was en route to join the professional women’s basketball club from Russia, UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason.
Griner was given a nine-year jail term in Russia after entering a guilty plea for drug-related offenses.
A jail swap agreement was established for her release following lobbying efforts by President Biden, the WNBA, and the NBA. The deal involved Victor Bout, who was carefully monitoring the situation from a federal prison in Marion, Illinois.
Viktor Bout about Brittney Griner
When guards arrived in his cell the morning of his release carrying boxes, Bout said in an interview with ESPN that he knew he was being exchanged for the WNBA star.
When the guards knocked on Bout’s cell door, they said, “Wake up and pack, you’re leaving.” Bout recalls being awakened by this.
Bout stated that he identified with Griner and recognized her struggles while inside in his first exclusive interview with American media.
“I feel bad or sorry for any person who’s going to be used as a pawn, despite whether they committed something or not.”
Viktor Bout told ESPN.
When Griner was being swapped, Bout said that they briefly spoke on the tarmac, and he “wished her luck” as they shook hands.
The Phoenix Mercury’s final regular-season contest in 2023 will occur against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, September 10, at noon (PT).
