TEXAS, USA — Social media went into a frenzy after President Joe Biden announced via Twitter, that Brittney Griner would finally be coming home after an estimated 294 days in Russia.
This did come with backlash as many had questions about the "1-for-1" described trade that was made for an infamous Russian arms dealer nicknamed the "merchant of death" for basketball player Brittney Griner. With former US Marine Paul Whelan rejected back for a second time as a prisoner in Russia for four years.
The internet had some questions and opinions to share about the trade and release:
Even Dallas Cowboys football player Micah Parsons was in hot water for his Tweet about the return of Griner:
With him later recanting his statements and clarifying that he was just surprised that the trade didn't include Whelan:
Many Twitter users shared the same sentiments as the ones above, with those questioning the White House's choice to trade.
For those who don't know Whelan's story, he was arrested in 2018 at a hotel in Moscow after being accused of being a spy. He was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison, according to FreePaulWhelan. FreePaulWhelan is a website created by his family to bring awareness to his story.
Whelan's family has been working for his return since then and shared their opinions about Griner's freedom Thursday. His twin brother David released a statement Thursday via ABC’s Jay O’Brien.
Even with these questions, many users celebrated the return of Griner as others offered their own two cents to the questions asked about Whelan.
Former President Barack Obama gave his kudos via Twitter to President Joe Biden and the administration for their "diplomatic work involved" in getting Griner released.
Another user defended Griner and the most recent comments she has gotten about her release. By offering an opposing statement to those who may have recently stated or believed that Griner didn't like America.
Griner, in 2016, was photographed taking a knee with her Indiana Fever teammates at a basketball game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The picture had initially gone viral on social media during the time.
Since her release, some have brought up the photos to justify their reasoning for not liking the White House's decision.
Other users brought up the mutual fact that two things can be right at once:
For now, all we know is that it has been reported by the Associated Press, that Putin has not ruled out the chances of swapping for other prisoners of war. As we wait to hear the next chapter in Whelan's journey, America continues to celebrate the two-time Olympian we got back.
As always, The Internet Reacts shares the stories and reactions of the internet. What are your opinions if any, on the describe "1-for-1" trade? Or even the release of Paul Whelan?
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