Brittney Griner's Fear of Plane Being Shot Down After Russian Detention Revealed
After her release from detention in Russia, Brittney Griner shared her concerns about the possibility of her plane being shot down in a recent interview with The Cut. Learn more about the WNBA star's harrowing experience and her thoughts on the situation.
Brittney Griner shared her fear of her plane being shot down after being released from detention in Russia, in a recent interview with The Cut.
In an interview with former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe, published in The Cut on Monday, Griner recounted the moment when she found out she was being released.
She received a note under her door instructing her to be ready at midnight or some late, crazy hour. Without sleeping, she quickly packed all her belongings and even slept with her shoes on. Finally, she was able to leave the facility after getting dressed in real clothes.
Even after leaving the prison facility, the 33-year-old still felt anxious. She expressed her concern about potential danger even as she reached the airport and boarded the plane. She worried about the possibility of the plane being shot down, as it wouldn't be the first time. She knew she wouldn't feel safe until the wheels touched US soil.
Griner was held in custody for nearly 300 days when cannabis oil was discovered in her luggage. Russian prosecutors claimed she was attempting to smuggle less than one gram of cannabis oil in vape cartridges, leading to her receiving a nine-year prison sentence.
The US State Department disagreed with Griner's detention and she was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner lands in San Antonio, Texas, on December 9, 2022.
Griner lands in San Antonio, Texas, on December 9, 2022.
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images
Since her release, Griner has spoken about the mental anguish and poor living conditions she endured in prison, as well as the support she received from people back home.
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 27: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the game against the Dallas Wings on August 27, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury observed the game against the Dallas Wings on August 27, 2023, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. If you download or use this photograph, you are agreeing to the Getty Images License Agreement. The copyright for this photo belongs to NBAE 2023. (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
Related article
Brittney Griner tells ABC that she ‘wanted to take my life more than once’ while detained in Russia
While I was there, my mind went to some dark places. But the love and support from everyone, like you mentioned, with people wearing jerseys, tweeting, and putting up posters, made me feel like I wasn't forgotten. I really appreciate that," she shared with Rapinoe.
"I used to lay awake at night wondering when the next big story would break and when all the hype and awareness would die down. But I never felt that decrease in support."
The Phoenix Mercury center is getting ready for her 11th season in the WNBA. At the same time, she and her partner, Cherelle, are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first child, Bash Raymond Griner.
Griner expressed her hopes for Baby Bash, saying, "I hope that Baby Bash will take up basketball! But ultimately, I just want them to pursue something they love, whether it's sports, art, or anything else. If they choose basketball, I would be overjoyed, but I'll support them no matter what."
Editor's P/S:
Brittney Griner's account of her release and the lingering fear she experienced during her flight back home is a poignant reminder of the psychological trauma she endured during her detention in Russia. Her concern that her plane could be shot down reflects the heightened sense of anxiety and uncertainty that she carried even after her liberation. It also underscores the lingering effects of her ordeal on her well-being.
Griner's resilience and determination to rebuild her life are inspiring. Despite the hardships she has faced, she remains optimistic and focused on her future, including the upcoming birth of her first child. Her unwavering spirit serves as a testament to the indomitable human capacity for perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.
