Brittney Griner Reveals She Considered Suicide During 9-Month Detention in Russian Prison

WNBA star Brittney Griner has opened up about her harrowing experience during her 9-month detention in a Russian prison, revealing that she considered suicide due to the severe mental anguish she endured. In an exclusive interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, Griner described feeling "less than human" while imprisoned in the Russian penal colony.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February 2022 for possessing hashish oil vape cartridges in her luggage, which was considered contraband in Russia. Despite pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 9 years in prison and transferred to a women's penal colony where the living conditions were deplorable. "My life ended right here," Griner said, recalling the moment she realized she had left the cartridges in her luggage.

During her ordeal, Griner faced poor living conditions, including a mattress with a "huge blood stain" and a lack of basic necessities like soap and toilet paper. She was confronted with a room that had a "huge knife" and felt scared about the "unknowns" when she was handed her nine-year sentence. "I was just so scared for everything," Griner said, emphasizing that she had "no intention" of violating any laws.

Why this matters: Griner's story sheds light on the plight of Americans wrongfully detained overseas and the mental toll such experiences can take. Her case also highlights the complex geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Russia, as her release was eventually secured through a high-profile prisoner exchange.

After 294 days in Russian custody, Griner was released on December 8, 2022, in a prisoner swap deal orchestrated by the U.S. government. Since her return, she has rejoined the Phoenix Mercury and was named a starter in the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game. Griner will share more details about her experience in her upcoming memoir, "Coming Home," set to be released on May 7, and in a 20/20 special interview airing on May 1.

Key Takeaways

• Brittney Griner detained in Russia for 9 months, faced harsh conditions
• Griner considered suicide due to severe mental anguish in prison
• Griner's case highlights plight of Americans wrongfully detained overseas
• Griner released in prisoner swap, rejoined WNBA's Phoenix Mercury
• Griner to share more details in upcoming memoir and TV interview