Nevada Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.says hes willing to personally get involved in the Brittney Griner case and will talk to President Putin himself to get the WNBA star back home.
If I go there, if this doesnt work, I will go to Mr. Putin myself, said Jones, who holds dual American and Russian citizenship.
Jones won the WBA heavyweight title in 2003, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a heavyweight title in 106 years
I know you gave me Russian citizenship, but I need one more favor. I need something to happen so we can get this girl back home, said Jones, directing his comments to Putin.
Jones made the remarks whilein Las Vegas attending his induction to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Right now, Im hearing theyre trying to do a prisoner swap. If they do the prisoner swap, that will be good. If the prisoner swap does not work then you have to understand that Im a diplomatic type of person, Jones told LVSportsbiz.com. I dont get into politics, but my friends are my friends.Both Russia and the U.Shave confirmedthat negotiations between Washington and Moscow on a prisoner exchange are underway, for a deal to releaseGriner andformerMarine Paul Whelanforconvicted arms dealerViktor Bout.
Jones said he is optimistic that Griner will be returned to the United States.
Meanwhile,in the latest episode ofThe Chris Cuomo Project, formerNew MexicogovernorBill Richardsontold Cuomo that he is also optimistic about the Brittney Griner negotiations, in whichRichardsonis involved.
The fact that they started negotiating two months ago despite the toxic situation with the war and with Griners lawyers handing it well, acknowledging the error…" saidRichardson.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russia for possession of less than a gram of cannabis oil shed inadvertently left in her suitcase when returning to Russia where she was playing for the national team for the past seven years.
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