ABC News has released the full interview with Brittney Griner who details the nearly 10 tough months in a Russian prison following an innocent mistake in 2022. During ABC News’ special report on 20/20, the basketball stars recalls exactly what was going through her mind when she was in Russian prison.
As we previously reported, two cartridges of cannabis oil were found in her luggage when she was stopped at a security checkpoint at the airport in Russia. She was issued drug-related charges and faced up to 10 years in a notorious penal colony as the possession of cannabis is a serious offense in Russia .
While trying her best to hold back tears, she became emotional as she described her fear of never returning home to her family especially her wife. Looking back on some of her toughest days, she admitted to Robin Roberts, “I wanted to take my life more than once,” she said, reading from her book. “I felt like leaving here so badly.”
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Ultimately she was handed down nine years and sent to an even harsher penal colony. After days of doubt that followed after and little to no hope, her prayers were eventually answered.
Griner was released in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, ending her traumatizing ordeal. Although the harrowing experience is hard to put behind her, she knows he has a solid group of people who she can lean on for support.
“It’s been going on for a while,” Griner said. “I try to forget. That used to work until I realized suppressing things is not the way to go. But I know who I am, and the village I have, the people around me, know who I am. And that’s enough for me.”