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WNBA Star Brittney Griner Gets Emotional Recalling Russia Imprisonment

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/2/24

A few years ago, Brittney Griner made headlines when she found herself captive in Russia due to having vape cartridges with her there. Now, the WNBA player recently opened up about her harrowing experience as a prisoner in the said country.

Griner first entered the WNBA as the Phoenix Mercury’s first overall pick in the 2013 Draft after a stellar four-year run playing college basketball for Baylor. Right from the get-go, the 6’9″ center made her presence felt by averaging 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.

The following year, Griner found herself in competing for a title with Phoenix throughout the regular season. When the playoffs started in 2014, the Mercury star took her game to another level by posting averages of 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 3.4 blocks per contest. She would eventually become a champion and win Defensive Player of the Year during her sophomore campaign.

Back in 2022, Griner was arrested in Russia due to allegations of smuggling drugs. Her imprisonment lasted 10 months and a trial where the Mercury star pleaded guilty, but stated she had no intent to break the law there. Griner would eventually return to the United States after she was swapped for Viktor Bout in a prisoner exchange with Russia.

This article discusses suicide and self-harm. Readers’ discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Recalls Russian Imprisonment In Emotional Interview

Years after her release, Griner opened up on her experience in Russia. In a post ESPN shared on its Instagram account:

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According to Griner, there were times when she was made to stay out in the cold and use a hole in the ground as a toilet. It even reached the point where the WNBA star considered suicide multiple times, but hesitated because she was informed that her body won’t be released to her family if that happened.

Fortunately, Griner has spent considerable time recovering from that period in her life. Hopefully, the effects of her imprisonment will fade in time and the WNBA star can finally heal completely.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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