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'Sports version of AOC': Megan Rapinoe SLAMMED for mentioning Brittney Griner in ESPY 2022 speech

'BG deserves to be free. She is being held as a political prisoner, obviously,' Rapinoe said while giving her acceptance speech for the 'Best Play' award

It was a night of the greatest athletes and teams coming together under one roof and getting recognized at the 2022 ESPY Awards on July 20. Present among them was soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who bagged the ‘Best Play’ award for her corner kick goal, leaving Justin Tucker, Ja Morant, and Hansel Emmanuel behind. However, it was her controversial speech mentioning the jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner that grabbed the eyeballs of viewers.

Wearing high-waisted black satin trousers and an open semi-sheer button-down cream blouse, along with a diamond-patterned blazer, diamond hoop earrings, and a pair of black Gucci loafers, the 37-year-old athlete flipped off at the cameras at the much-awaited ESPY award night, which took place at Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California.

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What did Megan Rapinoe say at ESPYS 2022?

Rapinoe, who was recently presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest accolade that can be awarded to a US citizen, acknowledged the plight of the WNBA’s Brittney Griner, currently being held in Russia on drug possession charges. While giving her acceptance speech for 'Best Play' honors, Rapinoe said, "BG deserves to be free. She is being held as a political prisoner, obviously. I don’t think I am getting political, but I do love to get political."

She further added, "Like what are we doing here dressed up like we are when our sister is detained abroad? We haven’t done enough, none of us. We can do more, we can support her more, and just let her know that we love her so much."

Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors also made his plea for Griner's release from the Russian prison along with Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins. He said, "We also need to acknowledge the one who isn't here. Her name is right here on this jersey."

However, it was Rapinoe's speech that riled up the netizens. One user wrote, "Megan Rapinoe: “We shouldn’t be dressing up and having awards shows while Brittney Griner is still in Russia,” said while dressed up and being a part of an awards show." While another said, "I wish nothing but the best for Megan Rapinoe. I also personally identify that today is Opposite Day for me."

Another user pointed out that the words used by the soccer player were not very smart. The user tweeted, "LOL @mPinoe said Brittney Griner is a political prisoner even though she violated the law by transporting drugs, got caught, and confessed. Rapino is not very bright," while another commented by saying, "Megan Rapinoe is the sports version of AOC."

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Many showed their disapproval at Rapinoe winning the 'Best Play' award. An individual wrote, indicating towards Justin Tucker, "This man should’ve won." Another wanted Ja Morant to win. The user said, "In what world is this not the best play of the year. It might be the most athletic play I’ve ever seen in my life in any sport."

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