Podcast: Free Brittney Griner: An Update On Her Incarceration In Russia

How is it possible that Brittney Griner is still detailed in Russia? Check out this episode to learn more.

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Skip Bayless Bashes Russell Westbrook

Skip Bayless is known for his high energy when giving commentary about sports. Yet, he has been very vocal about his point of view on the Lakers, especially Russell Westbrook. He speaks negatively about the team on television and social media. However, he recently created a nickname, Westbrick, for Russell Westbrook. It began to go viral, and fans are calling Russell Westbrook that name during games and on social media platforms.

However, everyone is not accepting Skip’s taunting. Check out what Nina Westbrook, Doug Gottlieb, and Stephen Curry had to say about the situation.

Nina Westbrook

I’m tired you you @RealSkipBayless calling my husband out of his name. It is extremely childish. That is my name as well, and many other peoples name. You’re disrespectful, and I’m extremely offended by your behavior. You should apologize.

Nina Westbrook

Doug Gottlieb

What are you doing? You’re 70 years old. You’ve been covering sports your entire life, you don’t call people names. You can say he’s a terrible shooter.

Doug Gottlieb

Stephen Curry

The fan perspective, it is kind of B.S. when it crosses the line in terms of attacking somebody personally, their name, and not keeping it to just basketball…

Stephen Curry

What do you think?

Free Brittney Griner From Russia!

Brittney Griner is a international celebrity basketball player. The WNBA star is known for her ability to put on a show. With great height, Griner is able to dunk on offense. As such, she’s averaging 17 points per game for her career. She set a career high of 38 points in a duel against Indiana. However, she works just as hard on defense. She is averaging seven blocks per game while having a career high of 18 blocks in a single expedition.

So, with great talent comes great rewards. In 2014 she won the WNBA Chanpionship with the Phoenix Mercury. She’s also been named a WNBA All Star and Defensive Player of the Year multiple times. As such, she was able to represent the United States of America during the Olympics, and she helped the team win gold!

Even though she went to Russia to continue her basketball career, she is now stuck there in the middle of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine. This has sports fans worried and praying for her to stay safe as the attacks increase. Her supporters are posting “Free Brittney” on social media platforms. 

However, things took a turn as she entered an airport in Russia. The New York Times reported that cannabis oil was detected in her luggage, and she has been incarcerated there for nearly three weeks. No one knew Griner was locked up abroad, and this has raised many questions. For example, Damien Woody tweeted, “Brittney Griner has been detained for 3 weeks and we’re just hearing about it?” However, the WNBA Players Association were aware as they released a statement noting they “will continue to closely monitor and look forward to her return to the US.”

Even though she went to Russia to continue her basketball career, she is now stuck there in the middle of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine. This has sports fans worried and praying for her to stay safe as the attacks increase. Her supporters are posting “Free Brittney” on social media platforms. Mike Hill tweeted, “Praying for Britney Griner! Everything about her situation feels so wrong. Why would ANYONE trust Russia?”

This situation is similar to the time when Liangelo Ball was arrested in China for stealing out of a Louis Vuitton store. Former President Trump had to make calls to get him and his teammates released. Now, we wait. What will President Joe Biden do to help free Brittney Griner?

Isaiah Thomas Grabs 10 Day Contract With Charlotte Hornets

Another day presents another opportunity for Isaiah Thomas. Despite constant rejections, Thomas has remained positive and continued to grind for a spot on a NBA roster. He put on a show for the G-League’s Grand Rapids Gold as he scored more than 40 points in multiple games. His hard work has paid off, and he has signed a 10 day contract with the Charlotte Hornets. 

This team may be a good fit for the NBA veteran. The Hornets have a strong, young core who are dedicated to improving. As such, he would be able to guide these guys on their journey the remainder of the season. However, it’ll only happen if he proves that he can fill in the gaps and build chemistry with his teammates.

Will Isaiah Thomas be able to prove that he can ball beside LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges?

Ja Morant Sets Career High And Franchise Record

Ja Morant has been a franchise player for the Memphis Grizzlies since he was drafted in 2019, and this role calls for pressure to improve. It seems like Morant is handling it well. He lead the Grizzlies to a 118-105 victory versus the San Antonio Spurs. During this game Ja scored 52 points, which set a new career high! It also was a franchise record! This milestone made headlines on sports websites. Check out the following:

  • NBA: “Ja Morant’s superstar leap reaches new peak with 52-point performance”
  • New York Post: “Ja Morant’s career-high 52 points, massive dunk lift Grizzlies over Spurs”
  • ESPN: “Ja Morant breaks own Memphis Grizzlies record with 52 points, dazzles crowd with highlight plays”

He also received praise from NBA peers. For example, Allen Iverson posted a picture of Ja’s jersey hanging from a most valuable player (MVP) award. He included a caption that said, “Sooner or Later!!!” Despite all the noise, Ja gave credit to his daughter. During an interview he said, “This is my baby, my motivation right here. Only right to make history on a night she’s here to watch me.” He’s definitely a dad girl.

Lakers Blown Out By Pelicans

Another game. Another loss. The New Orleans Pelicans blew out the Los Angeles Lakers by 28 points, and the final score was 123 to 95. LeBron did what he could and scored 32 points. But, I can’t say the same about his teammates. No one else score above 20 points to give LeBron some much needed help. The only significant player was Dwight Howard who grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Pelicans outscored the Lakers in every quarter except the 4th. However, the game was won during the 3rd quarter as the Pelicans scored 44 points while the Lakers only put up 25. CJ McCollum, Jonas, and Brandon Ingram were leaders for the Pelicans organization.

The Lakers were boo’d by their fans all night. Russell Westbrook took the Omarion approach and said they can go home if they didn’t like how things were going. However, the fans were able to get under LeBron James and Trevor Ariza skin as they argued with fans. Needless to say, it was another disappointing night for Laker nation.

G-League Showcase: Andre Ingram

Andre Ingram is a guard for the South Bay Lakers. He’s been in the NBA’s G-League since 2007. With over 10 years of experience, he has played over 450 games for the G-League. This makes him an all-time league leader for total number of games played. As such, he ranks high in many areas:

  • #1 in three pointers made
  • #3 in points scored
  • #3 in defensive rebounds
  • #4 in steals

His offensive ability is legit, and he’s made over 800 three pointers during his career. Ingram is the Stephen Curry of the G-League. However, his skill set did not transfer during his short time playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. With this organization, he played 6 games over 2 seasons where he averaged 4 points per game. Yet, he’s found his home in the G-League where he can be successful and still play the game he loves.

Isaiah Thomas Scored 40+ In Return To The NBA’s G-League

Isaiah Thomas made his debut for the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA’s G-League. He put on a show for the crowd as he scored over 40 points. It made the NBA’s G-League post, “The NBA vet went CRAZY in his return to the G League.” Many fans are thrilled to see Thomas back on the court. He has posted videos of him practicing, and he seems to remain positive on Twitter. For example, Thomas tweeted, “…vets are valuable.”

Although he is taking opportunities as they comes his way, many basketball fans can’t understand why he is not on a NBA roster. Even Ball Is Life said, “too good for the G-League.” This guy is a two time NBA All Star. He will continue to outscore G-League players. Hopefully, a team picks him up and allows him play ball in the highest rated league available.