WNBA star Brittney Griner opened up about her harrowing experience in a Russian jail following her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges, revealing thoughts of suicide during her initial weeks in detention. Speaking in an hour-long interview on ABC’s “20/20,” Griner shared details of her months-long ordeal, which is set to be detailed further in her upcoming memoir, “Coming Home,” slated for release on May 7.
Griner’s detention stemmed from her arrival at a Moscow airport, where authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges containing cannabis-derived oil in her luggage. The basketball star confessed to grappling with suicidal thoughts early on but ultimately refrained from acting on them, partly due to fears that her body wouldn’t be returned to her family if she did.
Her time in Russian custody coincided with escalating tensions between Russia and the United States due to the invasion of Ukraine. Griner’s eventual release was secured through a prisoner exchange involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Prior to her release, she was coerced into writing a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing gratitude and seeking forgiveness, a gesture she found challenging but ultimately complied with in hopes of returning home.
Griner’s disappointment was palpable upon learning that another American detainee in Russia, Paul Whelan, wasn’t released alongside her. She expressed hope that he would be the next to return home, highlighting the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding detainment in a foreign country.
Despite her traumatic experience, Griner’s focus has returned to basketball as she prepares for the upcoming WNBA season with the Phoenix Mercury, which kicks off on May 14. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to her strength and determination, inspiring others to confront their own challenges with courage and perseverance.
