The young basketball star became embroiled in a tussle between the United States and Vladimir Putin right at the moment the Russian strongman was isolated and increasingly desperate for leverage.
When US basketball star Brittney Griner was taken from a Russian penal colony and flown to Abu Dhabi, America's chief hostage negotiator was waiting for her on the tarmac.
Her dramatic arrest at Sheremetyevo International Airport in February kicked off months of secret negotiations between two nations that were barely on speaking terms.But it would have to make sacrifices for her freedom.He brought with him a notorious Russian arms dealer nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" who had been in a US prison for 10 years.
Despite being a world-class athlete and one of the best players in the Women's National Basketball Association , she was paid $US221,450 a year.But a male baller playing for the NBA was easily earning Griner's yearly salary in a single game.
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