Less than two years ago, W.N.B.A. star Brittney Griner found herself serving a nine-year sentence in a penal colony in Russia. She endured dehumanizing treatment in prison, where she lived in filthy conditions, ate spoiled food, and faced frequent mistreatment from guards. Her height attracted stares and questions about her gender, triggering memories of childhood bullying. Griner was forced to undress and be photographed nude, and her physical health deteriorated as a result of the poor living conditions and stress of the situation.
During her time in prison, Griner made a rare decision to cut off her long locs as a means of preventing illness due to the lack of proper heating in the facility. She suffered emotionally and turned to smoking and unhealthy food items from the commissary. Griner also wrote a letter to President Biden, pleading for help in returning home, and had supporters, including Black women who pushed for her release. After a guard slipped her a note informing her of her imminent release, Griner was finally brought home in December, following a prisoner swap discussion between the U.S. and Russia.
Upon her return, Griner faced challenges in readjusting to life outside of prison. She struggled with PTSD, undergoing therapy to cope with her traumatic experiences. Griner attempted to return to basketball, rejoining the Phoenix Mercury after a rigorous training regimen. Her 2023 season was uneven, as she worked to regain her physical and mental strength. Griner found solace in nature, often retreating to the mountains near her home in Phoenix to escape from the pressures of public attention and media scrutiny.
Griner’s upcoming memoir, “Coming Home,” will detail her harrowing experience in the Russian penal system. The book will shed light on the challenges she faced, both during her time in prison and in the aftermath of her release. Griner’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for justice and supporting those who are wrongfully detained or mistreated. Her resilience and determination to rebuild her life and career after such a traumatic ordeal are inspiring and offer hope for others who may face similar struggles.
