Awkward: NFL Network Reporters Joke About Surviving ‘Russian Prison’ as Brittney Griner Was Sentenced to 9 Years

Three NFL Network personalities joked about surviving a “Russian prison” during a commercial break Thursday, which was alluded to when they returned to air.

Interestingly, the awkward segment was broadcast within the same hour WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to spend nine years in a Russian penal colony.

On Thursday’s broadcast of Inside Training Camp, network reporters James Palmer and Ian Rapoport were on location in Denver.

Apparently, during a commercial break, they had a conversation about Russian prisons with host Andrew Siciliano.

At least, that’s what each alluded to in 40 very awkward seconds of TV. Siciliano asked Rapoport how he was feeling after he apparently took a hit from Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Rapoport responded about his condition, saying, ” I’ve been through a lot worse.”

Palmer cut in and answered for Rapoport.

“Listen, if Ian thinks he can survive in a Russian prison, which apparently he believes, a tackle from Nathaniel Hackett is the least of his problems,” Palmer said

Rapoport, who appeared uneasy about the comment, said, “That was not really for air, but sure, I would say that’s true.”

Siciliano then commented the reference to a Russian prison was made during a private conversation between the trio during the break.

“James Palmer just pulled back the curtain on the conversation we had off the air during the commercial. We’re happy that Ian – happy to report that he is okay and he is not going to miss any days of camp.”

The show then went back to another commercial.

Griner was remanded to prison Thursday after she was arrested in Russia earlier this year for carrying vaping cartridges that contained cannabis oil.

Watch above, via NFL Network.

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