WNBA standout Brittney Griner shared her ordeal of being detained in Russia in an exclusive “20/20” special, marking her first public discussion about the distressing experience. Scheduled to air on May 1, with a preview on “Good Morning America,” the interview conducted by Robin Roberts delves into Griner’s emotions of fear and hopelessness during her extended detention starting from February 2022 until her release in December 2022.
Griner, a renowned athlete with accolades including two Olympic gold medals and nine WNBA All-Star appearances as part of the Phoenix Mercury team, was apprehended at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil, an offense under Russian law. Reflecting on the moment she realized the cartridges were in her luggage, Griner expressed feeling overwhelmed and facing an uncertain future.
Despite pleading guilty to the charges in July 2022, citing unintentional possession, the U.S. government classified her case as wrongful detention and actively pursued her release. Griner’s imprisonment in Russia, marked by harsh conditions and emotional turmoil, led her to contemplate dark thoughts at times.
Following her release through a prisoner exchange, Griner has become a vocal advocate for others unjustly detained abroad, including Americans held in Russia. She announced a forthcoming memoir titled “Coming Home,” slated for release on May 7, recounting her challenging journey from imprisonment to freedom, emphasizing the pivotal role of support from loved ones and the public in her recovery.
