Earlier today news of WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner's prison sentence on drug charges was released. Griner has been sentenced to 9 1/2 years for a crime that carries a maximum of 10 years. Unsure if the Russian government thought this would be perceived as any form of grace.

Unsurprisingly, Americans were in an uproar, and #FreeBG could be seen all over Twitter. The American government, the NBA, WNBA, and countless others agree that Griner is being wrongfully detained, however, some critiques argue that America needs to take a look in their own backyard, namely their prison system that currently holds a fair number of inmates on petty drug charges.

So should grace be selective?

It certainly appears that way when looking at America's prison system. Not surprising though, Griner has effectively become a pawn in a political game that truly has nothing to do with her. A mistake on her part has already cost her over 5 months of her freedom and depending on how this game plays out, it could cost her a whole lot more.

Let freedom ring

Freedom is one of those things that's easily taken for granted when you're born in "the West" and it can be hard to fathom not having it. Unlike the experience of people born in developing countries, in which some, being homosexual is illegal, Griner has been fortunate to freely be her true self and express herself accordingly. Attaining athletic success to further afford her another level of freedom is a blessing also not known by the majority. All things that we at Absolut stand for and celebrate - pursuing your dreams as your authentic self. This is therefore a painful reminder to not take your freedom for granted.

Grace enough

No matter how far up the proverbial ladder of success we climb we're always at the mercy and grace of the powers that be. And although we may not necessarily be in need of someone's grace today, tides can always turn so it's important to not judge another person's mistake. Griner knew she was in the wrong which is why she pleaded guilty but expressed that it was an honest mistake not meant to hurt anyone.

Recognizing that her sentence isn't even truly about Griner's crime is what makes the situation that much more frustrating, and all one can do is hope and pray that it plays out in her favor.

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As the saying goes, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Whenever Griner is released, which undoubtedly she will be, just a matter of when. She's likely to return home with a new sense of gratitude and a new lease on life. Her WNBA off-season career in Russia will likely be a thing of the past, but she'll be able to advocate for others from a point of view many others can't.

Our prayers go out to her family and loved that have to be almost as strong as Griner herself, to not give up hope and believe for a positive outcome and end to this saga.