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Brittney Griner put safety first after she stumbled on disturbing content. The professional basketball player has canceled a scheduled speaking engagement after discovering a suspicious note in her hotel room. Griner was due to give a talk at the Women Grow Leadership yesterday. She, however, exited the premises after finding duct tape near the door with the words “Gay Baby Jail.”
The athlete was terrified at the message, prompting her to find the next flight home. Griner, who is a gay sportsperson, was once imprisoned in Russia for marijuana possession. She was determined to prevent a repeat of such a daunting experience and pulled out of the speaking engagement.
The Prince George’s County Police Department issues a statement following the development. They confirmed that their officers investigated the incident at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The authorities concluded that the matter seemed unfortunate coincidence with no further implications.
Griner’s impromptu exit was co-signed by Women Grow CEO Chanda Macias, who supported the athlete. Macias said the company cooperated with the venue and authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. She emphasized that the safety of every woman at the conference remains paramount. In her words:
“Our commitment to empowering women in cannabis is stronger than ever. We will not be silenced. We will continue on.”
Authorities Clarified the Idea Behind the Phrase Found by Brittney Griner
Detectives added that the disturbing ‘gay baby jail’ phrase is a common term used in video games. Authorities noted that a large convention occurred at the Gaylord when the tape was located. The attendees reportedly shared an interest in anime alongside video game enthusiasts who also attended the event.
Detectives have found no link or threat to the guest who discovered the tape. They are investigating who placed it and its intention and encourage anyone with information to come forward. TMZ confirmed that Griner was set to engage with cannabis enthusiasts on Monday. The event would have marked her first public speaking appearance since her return from imprisonment in Russia.
Brittney Griner’s Release From Russian Prison Increased Concern for Paul Whelan’s Freedom
Griner was arrested in Russia alongside former Marine Whelan. The officer, who is not a stranger to Russia, had traveled to the country at the request of another Marine for a wedding. While in Moscow, Whelan received a USB drive from a Russian acquaintance. The exchange ultimately led to his arrest on espionage charges in 2018, and he has remained incarcerated since.
Since Griner’s release, Whelan’s family had also hoped he would return home, but that has not happened. Despite two American citizens being freed from Russian prisons, Whelan remains incarcerated. The development has left his family questioning how many attempts the U.S. government will make for his release.
The Marine’s family is voicing their feelings through his twin brother, who desires his brother’s release. David Whelan, Paul’s twin brother, cited feelings of despair that his sibling was not on the plane with Griner. David asserted that before Brittney Griner’s release, Trevor Reed came home while the Marine was still held captive. It brought several questions to Paul Whelan’s family as they hoped for his return.
Will Brittney Griner take other speaking engagements, or is she done?
