WNBA star Brittney Griner spoke out about her mental state when she was first arrested in Russia in February 2022 in an interview which aired on Wednesday.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK .
star Brittney Griner said she wanted to die by suicide when she first was arrested and put into a Russian jail in 2022 in an interview that aired on Wednesday. Griner spoke to ABC News’ Robin Roberts and talked at length about her experience in Russia when she was arrested on drug smuggling charges.
wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks,' the Phoenix Mercury star said. 'I felt like leaving here so badly.' She said she decided not to do it because she was afraid the Russian authorities would not release her body to her family. Griner said that before she was released in an exchange with convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, she was forced to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They made me write this letter. It was in Russian,' she said. '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.' Griner also said she was disappointed that Paul Whelan, another American detained in Russia, was not included in the trade. 'I walked on and didn’t see him, maybe he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next,' she said.
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