“WNBA Star Brittney Griner Recounts Mental Struggles During Russian Jail Detention After 2022 Arrest”

Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in the WNBA, recently disclosed her harrowing experiences during the initial weeks of her detention in a Russian jail following her arrest in 2022 on drug-related charges. Speaking candidly for the first time about her months-long ordeal, Griner opened up during an hour-long interview on ABC, which aired on Wednesday night. Her forthcoming memoir, titled “Coming Home,” is slated for release on May 7.

Griner’s troubles began after she was detained upon arrival at a Moscow airport, where Russian authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges in her luggage containing cannabis-derived oil. Reflecting on her darkest moments during her confinement, Griner revealed to interviewer Robin Roberts, “I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks. I felt like leaving here so badly.” However, she ultimately chose against it, partly out of fear that her body wouldn’t be released to her family.

“WNBA Star Brittney Griner Recounts Mental Struggles During Russian Jail Detention After 2022 Arrest”

Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in the WNBA, recently disclosed her harrowing experiences during the initial weeks of her detention in a Russian jail following her arrest in 2022 on drug-related charges. Speaking candidly for the first time about her months-long ordeal, Griner opened up during an hour-long interview on ABC, which aired on Wednesday night. Her forthcoming memoir, titled “Coming Home,” is slated for release on May 7.

Griner’s troubles began after she was detained upon arrival at a Moscow airport, where Russian authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges in her luggage containing cannabis-derived oil. Reflecting on her darkest moments during her confinement, Griner revealed to interviewer Robin Roberts, “I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks. I felt like leaving here so badly.” However, she ultimately chose against it, partly out of fear that her body wouldn’t be released to her family.

Her time in detention coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between Russia and the U.S. Griner’s release was eventually secured through an exchange involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Griner’s account also shed light on the psychological pressures she faced, including being coerced into writing a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude. “They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she recounted. “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.”

Her disappointment was palpable when she boarded the plane for her repatriation and realized that Paul Whelan, another American detainee in Russia, wasn’t accompanying her. “I walked on and didn’t see him, maybe he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next,” she lamented. “They closed the door and I was like, are you serious? You’re not going to let this man come home now.”

Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, recounted her distressing experiences ahead of the impending WNBA season, which commences on May 14. Her bravery in sharing her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by athletes beyond the confines of the sports arena.