WNBA Star’s Fear of Plane Being Shot Down
CNN reports that after being released from detention in Russia, Brittney Griner expressed her fear of her plane being shot down in a recent interview with The Cut. Griner, speaking with former US soccer icon Megan Rapinoe, recalled the tense moments surrounding her release.
Griner received a note instructing her to be ready to leave at a late hour and packed her belongings in a rush. Even after leaving the prison facility, she remained anxious, worrying about the safety of the plane until it was on US soil.
Wrongful Detention and Mental Anguish
Griner spent nearly 300 days in custody after cannabis oil was found in her luggage. Accused of drug smuggling, she was sentenced to nine years in prison but later deemed wrongfully detained by the US State Department. Griner was eventually released in December 2022 in a prisoner swap.
Since returning home, Griner has spoken about the mental toll of her experience in Russian prison and expressed gratitude for the support she received from people back home.
Looking Forward to Basketball and Parenthood
As Griner prepares for her 11th WNBA season with the Phoenix Mercury, she and her partner are expecting their first child. Griner jokingly expressed hopes that their child, Bash Raymond Griner, would follow in her footsteps and play basketball, although she’s open to any passion they may pursue.