Paul Whelan was court-martialed and for larceny, perjury, identity theft and passing bad checks. He signed a military plea agreement for dereliction of duty, received a bad conduct discharge. He's not retired Marine because he was dismissed from the Corps under less than honorable conditions. He was framed for espionage by the Russians, but he probably was involved in something shady. Arms dealer Victor Bout, was eligible for parole soon and has served 13 years of 25 year sentence. It was a good swap to get Brittney Griner home. She had a fistfight with her ex-wife, they both plead guilty to disorderly conduct, were sentenced to probation and counseling. She had vape cartridges in her bag on an international flight. Not smart. You can get weed in Moscow no problem. I'm glad she's home.
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6 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.People are stupid. Carrying any kind of cannabis product on an international flight is not to bright, let alone to Russia. But then our small local airport in Harrisburg, PA, catches someone trying to board airplanes with a firearm in their carry on. So if you can forget you have a loaded gun in your bag, I guess forgetting you have a couple of vape cartridges in there is just being human.
Barnie2years
Level 8
Dec 9, 2022
1
On domestic flights as well. Even smart people can be pretty stupid. Remember Sam Katz? He ran for Philly mayor against John Street and almost won. If he hadn't been famous, it'd been nothing. [nbcphiladelphia.com]
@barjoe yep, not the brightest move. You buy it where it’s legal and don’t bring it back if you’re flying.
I did not know that about Whelan but wonder what he's got to do with her at all? His case goes on but, other than the attempt to get both of them out, he doesn't strike me as significant to hers. I'm happy Griner is home but not blind to what her freedom cost. Still, it was an acceptable cost for POTUS Joe and he's the one who knows more about it so I'm over the concern. As for playing in Russia while we are sanctioning them, and proxy fighting a war against them, it was really not smart. Greed tripped her up and our youth are not always smart. Those are the lessons.
rainmanjr
Level 8
Dec 9, 2022
0
She shouldn't have been in Russia to begin with. They will use any American as political pawns. She took her chances and it cost her a 10 month prison stint. She is lucky this administration was successful in getting her back so soon.
Shaggy2018
Level 7
Dec 9, 2022
2
Attendance and TV ratings for WNBA are not good in the US and the players don't make that much money. Women's pro ball is a big deal in Russia and she had a 7 figure deal to play there.
Griner did not deserve being thrown in prison for her "infraction"...it was all about distraction and leverage on Putin's part. She was always a bargaining chip. Was she stupid...yup...dumb as a ROCK. Glad she made it out in one piece but I just hope the media will let her story die. I could care less about her at this point.
phoenixone1
Level 8
Dec 9, 2022
2
Said it before but I bet Griner will not take cannabis products in International travel any longer.
DenoPenno
Level 9
Dec 9, 2022
3
Probably not a domestic flight either. It's contraband and a federal offense. If TSA finds cannabis in a carry on, you could be arrested. Not 9 years, unless you're on parole or have a criminal record.
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