Brittney Griner opens up about her experience in Russian jail

PHOENIX (AP) — WNBA star Brittney Griner stated she thought of killing herself throughout her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related fees.

Griner spoke for the primary time about her monthslong detention in Russia throughout an hourlong interview that aired Wednesday evening on ABC. Her memoir, “Coming House,” is about to be launched on Might 7.

Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities stated a search of her baggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from hashish.

“I wished to take my life greater than as soon as within the first weeks,” Griner informed interviewer Robin Roberts. “I felt like leaving right here so badly.”

She determined in opposition to it partially as a result of she was afraid the Russian authorities wouldn’t launch her physique to her household.

Her plight unfolded on the identical time Russia invaded Ukraine and additional heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending solely after she was freed in trade for Russian arms vendor Viktor Bout.

Griner stated earlier than she was launched, she was pressured to put in writing a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she stated. “I needed to say sorry and thanks from their so-called nice chief. I didn’t wish to do it, however on the identical time I wished to return house.”

She was upset when she acquired on the aircraft for the commerce and that Paul Whelan, one other American who has been detained in Russia, wasn’t together with her.

“I walked on and didn’t see him, possibly he’s subsequent. Perhaps they are going to deliver him subsequent,” she stated. “They closed the door and I used to be like, are you severe? You’re not going to let this man come house now.”

Griner performs for the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA season begins on Might 14.

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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story contains dialogue of suicide. In the event you or somebody you already know wants assist, the nationwide suicide and disaster lifeline within the U.S. is on the market by calling or texting 988. There’s additionally a web-based chat at 988lifeline.org