Current:Home > NewsBrittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail -ProfitQuest Academy
Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail
View
Date:2025-04-16 12:04:22
PHOENIX (AP) — WNBA star Brittney Griner said she thought about killing herself during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges.
Griner spoke for the first time about her monthslong detention in Russia during an hourlong interview that aired Wednesday night on ABC. Her memoir, “Coming Home,” is set to be released on May 7.
Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis.
“I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks,” Griner told interviewer Robin Roberts. “I felt like leaving here so badly.”
She decided against it in part because she was afraid the Russian authorities wouldn’t release her body to her family.
Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner said before she was released, she was forced to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she said. “I had to ask for forgiveness and thanks from their so-called great leader. I didn’t want to do it, but at the same time I wanted to come home.”
She was disappointed when she got on the plane for the trade and that Paul Whelan, another American who has been detained in Russia, wasn’t with her.
“I walked on and didn’t see him, maybe he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next,” she said. “They closed the door and I was like, are you serious? You’re not going to let this man come home now.”
Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA season begins on May 14.
___
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org
veryGood! (9729)
Related
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- US fears Canada-India row over Sikh activist’s killing could upend strategy for countering China
- A Florida black bear was caught on video hanging out at Naples yacht club
- No. 3 Texas and No. 12 Oklahoma square off as undefeated teams before Big 12 farewell
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- A deaf football team will debut a 5G-connected augmented reality helmet to call plays
- Selling Sunset's Heather Rae El Moussa Reacts to Being Left Off Season 7 Poster
- Rare manatee that visited Rhode Island found dead offshore
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Kevin McCarthy denies reports that he's resigning from Congress
Ranking
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- On ‘Carolyn’s Boy,’ Darius Rucker pays loving tribute to his greatest inspiration: his late mother
- No charges in deadly 2019 Hard Rock hotel building collapse in New Orleans, grand jury rules
- Video shows chunky black bear stroll into Florida man's garage for a quick snack
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to lead economic development trip to Tokyo
- Chiefs star Travis Kelce on Aaron Rodgers' 'Mr. Pfizer' jab: I'm 'comfortable' with it
- Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati score, highlights: Cincinnati ruins Lionel Messi’s return
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
Federal judge in Oklahoma clears the way for a ban on medical care for transgender young people
21 Savage cleared to legally travel abroad with plans of international performance in London
A concert film of Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour is coming to theaters
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
Hawaii's 'overtourism' becomes growing debate as West Maui reopens for visitors
This Nobel Prize winner's call to his parents has gone viral. But they always thought he could win it.
Man who attacked Capitol with tomahawk and now promotes Jan. 6 merchandise gets 7 years in prison