PHOENIX — WNBA star Brittney Griner said she considered suicide during her first weeks in a Russian prison after her 2022 arrest on drug charges.
Mr. Greiner spoke for the first time. She spoke about her month-long detention in Russia in an hour-long interview that aired on ABC Wednesday night.
Her memoir, Coming Home, will be published on May 7th.
Greiner was detained after arriving at Moscow airport after Russian authorities said an e-cigarette cartridge allegedly containing cannabis-derived oil was found during a baggage search.
“For the first few weeks, I wanted to end my life many times,” Greiner told interviewer Robin Roberts. “I really wanted to leave here.”
Her decision against it was partly due to fears that the Russian authorities would not release her body to her family.
Her plight came to light at the same time as Russia invaded Ukraine, further escalating tensions between Russia and the United States, and only ended after she was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner said he was forced to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin before being released.
“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she said. “I had to ask for forgiveness and gratitude from their so-called great leader. I didn’t want to do it, but at the same time I wanted to go home.”
When she boarded the plane to make the deal, she was disappointed to find that Paul Whelan, another American held in Russia, was not on board.
“I walked out and I couldn’t see him. Maybe he’s next. Maybe they’ll bring him next,” she said. “They closed the door and I thought, ‘Are you serious?’ I’m not letting this guy go home anymore.”
Greiner plays for the Phoenix Mercury.
The WNBA season begins on May 14th.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit the following link: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
