WNBA star Brittney Griner is finally sharing her experience of being detained in Russia for several months and the “mistake” that led to her receiving a nine-year prison sentence. In a special edition of “20/20,” which will be broadcast tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, Griner will reflect on her harrowing ordeal.
“I could see all the hard work I had put in just falling apart and disappearing,” Griner shared with “GMA” co-anchor Robin Roberts.
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Brittney Griner, a 33-year-old basketball star for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was apprehended on February 17, 2022, at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki. She faced allegations of possessing vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil, a substance prohibited in the country.
In a moment of forgetfulness, Griner recalled the “mental lapse” that caused her to accidentally leave behind the cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage. She explained that she had overslept on the day she was scheduled to travel to Russia for the WNBA’s off-season games, leading her to hastily pack while feeling overwhelmed.
“I remember hastily throwing all my belongings into my suitcase and hastily zipping it up, thinking to myself, ‘Alright, I’m ready to go!'” she recounted to Roberts.
In her memoir “Coming Home,” Griner vividly recounts the sinking feeling she experienced when she realized she had forgotten two cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage. It happened when airport security asked her to go through her bag. The memoir is set to be released on May 7.
“I was completely taken aback and overwhelmed with disbelief. I couldn’t help but think, ‘Oh my God, how did I let this mistake happen?'” expressed Griner.
“I could see all the effort I had put into my work just falling apart and disappearing.”
Griner, who had been arrested, eventually pleaded guilty to drug charges on July 7, 2022, after her trial was postponed for several months. She admitted that the vape cartridges containing cannabis oil had unintentionally ended up in her luggage. During her testimony, she emphasized that she had no intention of violating Russian law and had packed the cartridges by accident.
Roberts jokingly questioned, “Come on, how could you not be aware of having cartridges in your luggage?”
During her time in prison, Griner shared her experience of the dire living conditions she endured while awaiting her trial. She revealed that basic necessities, such as toilet paper, were not always readily available. Griner also mentioned that the toothpaste provided to her had expired approximately 15 years ago, highlighting the substandard quality of essential items provided to inmates.
She explained that the toothpaste had expired and they would use it to combat black mold on the walls.
She added that the mattress had a massive blood stain on it and expressed her dissatisfaction with the thin two sheets provided. She further commented on the discomfort of laying on bars.
Griner’s attorneys filed an appeal after he was sentenced to nine years in prison on Aug. 4, 2022. However, the appeal was denied by a judge in October 2022.
After her sentencing, Griner found herself in a penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia. In this work camp, her assigned task was to cut fabric for Russian military uniforms.
Roberts inquired about the conditions at that place.
“It’s incredibly cold,” Griner remarked. “Being at the work camp means constant labor without any breaks or rest.”
Griner revealed that the freezing weather had taken a toll on her health, prompting her to make the decision to cut off her long dreadlocks.
Roberts inquired about Griner’s experience of losing a part of herself.
She said that it was inevitable for spiders to appear above her bed and create nests.
“My dreads began to freeze,” she remarked. “They remained wet and cold, making me fall ill. Sometimes, you have to do whatever it takes to stay alive.”
After facing increasing pressure, the White House made the decision to secure Griner’s release on December 8, 2022. In a prisoner exchange, the United States agreed to swap her for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Roberts asked how the person worked through the feeling of letting down themselves, their family, and their teams.
“I haven’t truly overcome it yet,” admitted Griner. “Ultimately, I take full responsibility for it, and I feel like I’ve disappointed everyone.”
Griner expressed her excitement upon learning about her impending release, stating, “I was so thrilled.” However, she expressed disappointment that Paul Whelan, another American who was unjustly held in Russia, was not able to come home with her.
Griner expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “I couldn’t believe that they were seriously not going to let this man come home right now.” She was referring to Whelan, who had been convicted of espionage and was serving a 16-year sentence in a Russian prison.
Ever since her release, Griner has emerged as a passionate advocate for Americans who have been unjustly imprisoned overseas.
On December 16, 2022, Griner took to Instagram to express her gratitude towards those who supported her during her wrongful detention. In a heartfelt post, she pledged to use her platform to assist in bringing other Americans who are unjustly held captive in foreign countries back home.
In a heartfelt message, Griner expressed her gratitude to President Biden for bringing her home and acknowledged his dedication to also bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans back to safety. She pledged to utilize her platform in any way possible to support the President’s efforts and encouraged everyone involved in her own release to continue their endeavors in bringing all Americans home. Griner emphasized that every family deserves to be reunited and whole once again.
