Brittney Griner Says She Contemplated Suicide Several Times During Stay In Russian Prison
What’s worse than going to prison in America? Going to prison in Russia. For sure. No question about it. You all know the story of WNBA star Brittney Griner. She was tossed behind bars in Russia back in February 2022 after authorities found weed vape cartridges in her luggage.
She went on trial for drug charges and was sentenced to a ridiculous nine years in prison.
She was ultimately sent to a penal colony in Mordovia — where she was forced to work and cut fabric for military members. In December 2022, though, the U.S. agreed to send Russia convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout in exchange for Griner’s release.
In total, she spent nearly a year inside a Russian prison, and during a recent interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, the 33-year-old athlete admitted she thought about taking her own life.
I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks. I felt like leaving here so badly. I couldn’t put my family through that though. I have to endure this.
As you might imagine, she had some pretty awful living conditions. She revealed her mattress had a huge blood stain on it. She also notes there was never enough toilet paper in the bathrooms. They also failed to provide soap.
She added that at one point, Russian officials made her pen a letter asking for forgiveness and ‘thanks from their so-called great leader’ Vladimir Putin.
Thankfully, she’s in a much better place now. She’s even returned to playing in the WNBA. She’ll start another season with the Phoenix Mercury this summer. She’s also expecting her first baby with her wife, Cherelle.
