WNBA Star Brittney Griner Opens Up About Harrowing Detention in Russia for the First Time

WNBA star Brittney Griner has revealed details of her tumultuous months-long detention in Russia for the first time in an exclusive interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts.

Griner, a prolific player for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was detained in Russia in February 2022 after being accused of possessing cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage, a substance prohibited in the country.

Speaking on ABC’s 20/20 special, “At 10 p.m. ET,” Griner shared the moment of realization when she discovered the forbidden items in her bag at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki.

Griner described her panic while packing for the trip, attributing the mistake to a rushed and hasty process.

The WNBA star emphasized that the presence of the cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage was unintentional and testified that she had no intention of violating Russian laws.

The U.S. State Department classified Griner’s detention as “wrongful” and intensified efforts to secure her release during her time in Russian prison.

After a delayed trial, Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony, where she endured harsh living conditions and physical labor.

Griner reflected on her time in prison, highlighting the substandard amenities and frigid temperatures that impacted her health.

Amid mounting pressure on the Biden Administration, Griner was eventually released in a controversial swap deal for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Since her return, Griner has become an advocate for individuals wrongfully detained abroad, leveraging her platform for the cause.

The WNBA star is set to share more insights in her upcoming memoir and upcoming collaborations with Disney’s ABC Signature.