WNBA star Brittney Griner speaks out about her detention in Russia, admitting to a "mental lapse" and the toll it took on her mental health.
Brittney Griner, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star, has opened up about her 10-month detention in Russia, sharing her fears and the mental anguish she endured while imprisoned. In an interview with Robin Roberts on ABC's "Good Morning America," Griner addressed skeptics who questioned her claim that she had accidentally packed cannabis cartridges in her luggage upon her return to Russia to play basketball.
Acknowledging that her "mental lapse" was "more on a grand scale," Griner emphasized that it was nonetheless an unintentional mistake. She drew parallels to everyday forgetfulness, such as leaving car keys in a running car or misplacing glasses on top of one's head. "It doesn't take away from how that could happen," Griner stated.
During her search at the airport, Griner's mind raced with concerns about her loved ones and the potential fallout in the media. "I'm thinking about my wife," she said. "Thinking about what my family is gonna think, public opinion is gonna think. I can just see the headlines now, like I could just visualize everything I worked so hard for just crumbling and going away."
Griner expressed frustration at the lack of understanding and empathy she encountered in Russia. "In the U.S., I can articulate what happened, how this happened. I didn't plan to do this. This was a mistake. It was an accident. I understand accidents have repercussions, but there's nothing. There's none of that," she explained.
The detention took a heavy toll on Griner's mental health. She recalled being held in solitary confinement for nearly four months, with limited access to sunlight and human interaction. "I felt alone, and I felt like I was not going to make it out," she said.
Upon her release in a prisoner swap with arms dealer Viktor Bout, Griner was overwhelmed with gratitude but also struggling with the lingering effects of her confinement. "I was just shocked," she said. "I was like, 'Wow, this is actually happening.'"
Griner emphasized the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. "Don't be afraid to reach out for help," she urged. "If you're struggling, there is help out there."
The WNBA star expressed her appreciation for her family, friends, and supporters who stood by her during her ordeal. "It was tough, but I made it through," she said. "I'm so grateful for that."
Griner returned to the Phoenix Mercury in the 2023 season and was named an All-Star for the eighth time in her career. Her resilience and determination have inspired many and serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
