Brittney Griner says she considered suicide during her first weeks in Russian prison

WNBA star Brittney Griner says she considered suicide during her first weeks in Russian prison after being arrested on drug charges in 2022.

Brittney Griner says she considered suicide during her first  weeks in Russian prison

PHOENIX (AP) — WNBA star Brittney Greiner said she considered suicide during her first weeks in a Russian prison after her 2022 arrest on drug charges.

Greiner spoke for the first time about his months-long detention in Russia in an hour-long interview that aired on ABC Wednesday night. Her memoir, Coming Home, is scheduled to be published on May 7th.

Russian authorities said Griner was arrested when she arrived at a Moscow airport after a bag search revealed an e-cigarette cartridge that allegedly contained cannabis-derived oil.

"In her first few weeks she felt suicidal many times," Griner told interviewer Robin Roberts. "I was very nervous about leaving."

Her decision against it was also due to concerns that Russian authorities would not return the body to her family.

Her fate only ended when she was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, at the same time that Russia invaded Ukraine and tensions between Russia and the United States continued to rise.

Greiner said she was forced to write a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin before her release.

"You made me write this letter," she said. "It was in Russian." "I had to ask for forgiveness and gratitude from their so-called great leader. I didn't want to do that, but at the same time I wanted to go home."

When she boarded a plane for her deal, she was disappointed to learn that Paul Whelan, another American imprisoned in Russia, was not with her.

"I kept walking and I couldn't see him. Maybe he'll be next. Maybe they'll bring him next," she said. "They closed the door and I said, 'Are you serious?' Please don't let this guy home again

Greiner plays for the Phoenix Mercury. Her WNBA season begins May 14th.

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Editor's note: This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 988lifeline.org also has an online chat.