WNBA star and Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shared the psychological toll of her detention in Russia, including being coerced into writing a conciliatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin before her release. She shared this condition of her release during an interview Thursday on ABC's “20/20,” providing a glimpse into the pressures she faced while in captivity.
Authorities detained Griner in February 2022 at a Moscow airport after they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Following her arrest, she faced a harsh nine-year sentence in Russian prison, highlighting the severe legal repercussions for drug offenses in the country.
One of the most psychologically taxing demands made of her in prison was to pen a letter to Putin, seeking forgiveness and expressing gratitude.
“They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,” she said, via the Associated Press. “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.”
During her detainment, which occurred during escalating tensions between Russia and the U.S., particularly with the invasion of Ukraine, Griner's situation drew international concern. It prompted discussions at the highest levels of government, ultimately leading to her release in December 2022 in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Brittney Griner shares conditions of prison
In the “20/20” interview, Griner shared the mental anguish and despair she endured during her first weeks in detention, where she even contemplated suicide.
She revealed, “I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks. I felt like leaving here so badly.” Her fear that her body would not be returned to her family prevented her from taking such drastic action.
The conditions of her imprisonment were dire. Griner, standing at 6-foot-9, faced discomfort due to inadequate facilities that were ill-suited for her height and the general harshness of the prison environment.
The distress was compounded by inadequate provisions, like being given only one roll of toilet paper a month and outdated toothpaste, which she used to clean mold from her cell walls.
Despite these hardships, Griner found a semblance of support from a fellow prisoner, Alana, who helped her navigate the day-to-day challenges. Known among inmates as “The American” and “The Basketball Player,” Griner's reputation preceded her due to her previous athletic achievements in Russia with UMMC Ekaterinburg, per Betsy Reed of The Guardian.
Her eventual release brought mixed feelings, as she discovered upon boarding the plane home that Paul Whelan, another detained American, was not a part of the swap.
“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?”
The WNBA season begins May 14.
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