Brittney Griner Says She Contemplated Dying By Suicide Throughout Russian Imprisonment
Brittney Griner says whereas she was locked away in a jail cell in Russia, she contemplated dying by suicide a number of occasions.
The WNBA celebrity instructed ABC Information’ Robin Roberts in a prolonged interview that aired Wednesday evening the ideas crept into her thoughts simply after Russian authorities threw her behind bars for packing vape cartridges in her baggage at a Moscow airport in February 2022.
“I needed to take my life greater than as soon as within the first weeks,” Griner mentioned. “I felt like leaving right here so badly.”
ABC
The 33-year-old instructed Roberts, although, she did not undergo with it … out of concern that her physique would not be launched to her household.
“I am unable to put them by that,” she mentioned. “I’ve to endure this.”
Griner mentioned whereas imprisoned, she confronted terrible dwelling situations … explaining to Roberts her mattress had a giant blood stain on it — and there was minimal rest room paper and no cleaning soap within the loos.
She added that at one level, Russian officers made her pen a letter asking for forgiveness and “thanks from their so-called nice chief” Vladimir Putin.
“I did not need to do it,” she mentioned, “however on the identical time, I need to come house.”
As you already know, Griner was sentenced to 9 years in Russian jail on drug costs in August 2022 … following a prolonged trial. She was finally despatched to a penal colony in Mordovia — the place she was compelled to work and lower material for navy members.
In December 2022, although, the U.S. agreed to ship Russia convicted arms supplier Viktor Bout in trade for Griner ‘s launch.
12/8/22
TASS
Griner instructed Roberts she handled guilt over all of it … saying she felt like she “let everyone down.”
However, since touching again down within the States, Griner has change into an advocate for these wrongfully detained abroad. She’s additionally anticipating her first baby along with her spouse, Cherelle.
As for her hoops profession, she’s nonetheless going sturdy within the WNBA, getting set to kick off one other season with the Phoenix Mercury later this month.
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