WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was released from Russian detention in a prisoner swap in December 2022, opened up for the first time about her harrowing experience in a Russian prison in an exclusive interview that will air May 1 on a special edition of “20/20.” “Good Morning America” will have a first look earlier that day.
Griner, 33, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a nine-time WNBA All-Star who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, reflected on the “mental lapse” that led to her months-long detention in Russia when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil — an illegal substance in the country — were found in her luggage.
“I could just visualize everything I worked so hard for just crumbling and going away,” Griner told Roberts. “And then to be somewhere where there’s no understanding.”
Griner was returning to Russia to play during the WNBA’s off-season when she was detained on Feb. 17, 2022, at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki after the cartridges were found.
“You know there are those who say, ‘Come on. How did you not know that you had cartridges in your in your luggage?’” Roberts asked.
“Have you ever forgot your keys in your car? Left your car running? Have you ever– you know, where’s my glasses? They’re on top of your head. Where’s my phone? Oh, it’s in my pocket. It’s just so easy to have a mental lapse,” Griner said.
