WNBA star Brittney Griner revealed in an interview that she contemplated suicide during the first few weeks of her detention in a Russian jail on drug-related charges in 2022. Griner shared her experience for the first time during an hour-long interview with ABC, which aired on Wednesday night. She also discussed her upcoming memoir titled “Coming Home,” set to be released on May 7. Griner was detained in Russia after vape cartridges allegedly containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage upon arrival at a Moscow airport.
During her time in Russian custody, Griner admitted to struggling with thoughts of suicide, feeling a strong desire to leave the situation she found herself in. She ultimately decided against taking her own life, in part out of fear that her body wouldn’t be returned to her family. Griner’s detention coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, exacerbating tensions between Russia and the U.S. However, her ordeal came to an end after she was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Prior to her release, she was compelled to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing gratitude and seeking forgiveness as a condition for her freedom.
Griner expressed disappointment at not seeing fellow American detainee Paul Whelan on the plane that took her back home. She had hoped he would also be released and reunited with his family, but unfortunately that did not happen. Griner’s return marked the end of a harrowing chapter in her life, allowing her to focus on reuniting with loved ones and resuming her career as a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury. The forthcoming WNBA season, set to begin on May 14, presents an opportunity for Griner to channel her experiences into her passion for the sport and continue to inspire others through her resilience and determination.
Despite the challenges she faced in Russian custody, Griner’s strength and resilience shone through as she overcame the darkest moments of her life. Her willingness to share her story openly and candidly with the public through interviews and her upcoming memoir is a testament to her courage and determination to overcome adversity. Griner’s return to the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury represents a new beginning and a chance to reclaim her life and career after a tumultuous period of uncertainty and fear. As she looks ahead to the upcoming season, Griner’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through her experiences, Griner continues to inspire others to confront their own challenges with courage and hope for a brighter future.
