Brittney Griner has opened up about her harrowing experience in Russian detention

 

Brittney Griner, the WNBA star, has opened up about her harrowing experience in Russian detention, revealing that she feared for her life even after her release. In an interview with The Cut, Griner shared her anxiety about being shot down while flying back to the United States.

Griner spent nearly 300 days in custody after being arrested for possessing cannabis oil in her luggage. She was sentenced to nine years in prison, but was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Recalling the moment she learned of her release, Griner said she was given a note under her door instructing her to be ready at midnight. She packed her belongings, slept with her shoes on, and was eventually processed out of the facility.

However, her anxiety didn't subside even after leaving the prison. "We get to that airport, and I get on that plane. I was worried someone might shoot the plane down. It wouldn't be the first time," she said. "I knew I wouldn't feel safe until wheels are on US soil."

Griner's fears were rooted in the knowledge that she was a high-profile target, and that her release was a significant event. She had been deemed "wrongfully detained" by the US State Department, and her case had garnered international attention.

Since her release, Griner has spoken publicly about the mental anguish and poor living conditions she endured in prison. She has also expressed gratitude for the support she received from people back home, including her partner, Cherelle, and the WNBA community.

In the interview with The Cut, Griner credited the support she received with helping her through the darkest moments of her detention. "My mind was in some dark places while I was over there, but that love and everyone... wearing jerseys, tweeting, posters, all that, it made me not feel forgotten," she said.

Griner is now preparing to play in her 11th WNBA season and is expecting her first child with Cherelle. She expressed her hope that her child, Bash Raymond Griner, will play basketball one day, but emphasized that she just wants them to be happy and pursue their passions.

Griner's story serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by athletes and individuals who travel abroad, particularly in countries with complex political relationships with the United States. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity have inspired countless people, and her return to the WNBA is a testament to her strength and determination.