Brittney Griner Tells How Russian Jail Impacted Her Mental Health

Brittney Griner – Source: Steph Chambers / Getty

A little over a year since being released from a Russian prison Brittney Griner is opening up about her mental health during that horrific time.

On December 8, 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russian detention after nine months of efforts pushing for her release. Griner was arrested for allegedly traveling with vape cartridges containing THC oil which is illegal in Russia. BG was in Russia working for the UMMC Ekaterinburg Russian-based basketball team she had been a member of for seven years.

According to TMZ, Griner opened up about her mental health struggles during her detention in an ABC News special.

“I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks,” Griner said. “I felt like leaving here so badly.”

If that quote doesn’t make you emotional BG also shared there was only reason she didn’t follow through with the action. She says that was due to the fact she was unsure her body would be released to her family.

“I can’t put them through that,” she said. “I have to endure this.”

Furthermore, BG also shared that the conditions where she was held were as bad as you could imagine. She claims her bed had huge blood stains, toilet paper was limited, and soap was missing in the restrooms. Also, she says she was so desperate to come home when asked to pen a letter to Vladimir Putin requesting forgiveness she didn’t hesitate.

After her return home, Griner joined The Phoenix Mercury and averaged 17 points for the 2023 season.