Charles Barkley calls Brittney Griner's release "bittersweet": "We left Mr. Whelan over there...we let a s**m bag back out on the street"

Charles Barkley joined the thousands within the NBA and WNBA communities in welcoming back Brittney Griner after she was released from a Russian penal colony. US government officials secured the Phoenix Mercury basketball star's freedom in a prisoner swap involving Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer.

Here’s what Barkley had to say on CNN regarding the latest on Griner:

"The NBA family, the WNBA family, we are family. And it’s just a great day throughout the NBA, a great day for the WNBA and Brittney [Griner] and obviously her family. But it’s also a bittersweet day because Mr. Whelan is still over there and we also let a sc*m bag arms dealer, who might go out there and kill other people.

"So on one hand I’m really happy for our NBA, WNBA family, but I feel for Mr. Whelan. He’s been there four years! But we also let a sc*m bag back out on the street!"

In October 2022, a Russian court convicted Brittney Griner of smuggling illegal drugs and was sentenced to nine years in prison. Several US legislators slammed the trial as nothing more than a publicity stunt to shame the Americans. US President Joe Biden has supported Ukraine in its war with Russia, which is supposedly why Griner had no chance of getting acquitted.

Like many in the NBA and WNBA, Charles Barkley repeatedly called on the US government to do what was necessary to bring Griner home. After months of negotiations, the release was eventually granted, but at a very stiff price.

The Russians asked for Viktor Bout, known as “The Merchant of Death,” in order to return Brittney Griner to the US. Bout was imprisoned for 12 years.

Charles Barkley knew that the US government representatives who worked on the negotiations wanted to include Paul Whelan in the exchange. Russia refused to budge, which leaves Whelan back where he’s been incarcerated for the last four years.

Brittney Griner arrived in the United States on Friday morning. She was brought to Brooke Army Medical Center for a check-up.

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Charles Barkley’s basketball comments continue to ruffle feathers

Charles Barkley works as an analyst for TNT.

Charles Barkley recently had another back-and-forth with Kevin Durant when the Hall of Famer called the Brooklyn Nets star “insecure.” What they have is a public spat that has been going on since last season.

Just a couple of days ago, “Sir Chuck” also offered his thoughts on the Miami Heat while covering the games on TNT's Inside the NBA:

“It might be time to break the team up and start over. They got some contracts that’s like … they’re no good. So, they need to start over. That’s my personal opinion, it’s like, hey, trade some of these guys to contenders or teams that [can] get us some young guys and start over.”

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who rarely responds to anything outside of the franchise, bluntly dismissed Charles Barkley's comments:

"You obviously haven't paid attention to my stuff. Who cares?"

Spoelstra’s dismissive reply must have been laced with a little irritation. The Miami Heat took the Boston Celtics to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals last season. They have been competing this season but have been decimated by injuries.

Barkley’s comments aren't something Spoelstra needs right now, as the Miami Heat are still trying to get everyone healthy.