For the first time, WNBA star Brittney Griner will speak extensively about her nearly 10-month-long Russian detainment in an interview highlighting harsh prison conditions and the athlete’s reaction to being jailed for possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
Griner, 33, spoke candidly and often became emotional as she recalled her experience inside a Russian penal colony as part of an upcoming interview with 20/20
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
ABC reported the 20/20 special will also feature interviews with Griner’s wife Cherelle, Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas and Special Presidential Envoy of Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens.
Griner returned to professional basketball in May 2023 and continued her career with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury team.
This month, Griner and Cherelle announced they are expecting their first child together, due July 2024.
“Can’t believe we’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being,” Cherelle wrote on Instagram, alongside the hashtag #BabyGrinerComingSoon.
Griner’s one-hour 20/20 interview, titled “Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview,” will air on ABC at 10 p.m. ET on May 1.
She is also releasing a memoir, called Coming Home, which will be available on May 7.