WNBA player Brittney Griner has boldly opened up about her terrifying experience of thinking about ending her life while being held in a Russian jail after being arrested in 2022 on drug-related accusations.
Her next book, “Coming Home,” will be released on May 7 and is expected to include further details of her horrific ordeal.
Griner discussed her experience openly for the first time in an emotional hour-long interview that aired on ABC, illuminating the pain and hopelessness she went through during her months-long confinement.
Griner talks about her stay in a Russian prison
Griner’s horror started when she arrived at a Moscow airport and vape cartridges purportedly containing oil derived from cannabis were found in her luggage by Russian officials.
Griner’s subsequent captivity forced her to fight a tremendous battle for her life, made more difficult by the constant fear of suicide as she came to terms with the harsh reality of her confinement.
“I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks,”
“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian. I had to ask for forgiveness and thanks from their so-called great leader. I didn’t want to do it, but at the same time I wanted to come home.”
Only after a contentious diplomatic swap in which the WNBA player was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout did Griner finally get her freedom. Griner’s elation at being freed was nevertheless tempered with disappointment when she boarded the plane to return to the United States without Paul Whelan, another prisoner.
“I walked on and didn’t see him, maybe he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next,” “They closed the door and I was like, are you serious? You’re not going to let this man come home now.”