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WNBA prima Brittney Griner said she wanted to dice by termination erstwhile she first was arrested and put into a Russian jailhouse successful 2022 successful an question and reply that aired connected Wednesday.
Griner said to ABC News’ Robin Roberts and talked astatine magnitude astir her acquisition successful Russia erstwhile she was arrested connected supplier smuggling charges.
Previous clips of nan question and reply showed Griner blaming a "mental lapse" for having cartridges containing cannabis lipid successful her luggage, and she elaborate what it was for illustration staying successful nan situation strategy for complete 10 months.
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Brittney Griner, who was detained astatine Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and later charged pinch forbidden possession of cannabis, is escorted to nan courtroom to perceive nan court's last determination successful Khimki, extracurricular of Moscow, connected Aug. 4, 2022. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
"I wanted to return my life much than erstwhile successful nan first weeks," nan Phoenix Mercury prima said. "I felt for illustration leaving present truthful badly."
She said she decided not to do it because she was acrophobic nan Russian authorities would not merchandise her assemblage to her family.
Griner said that earlier she was released successful an speech pinch convicted Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, she was forced to constitute a missive to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This image released by ABC News shows Robin Roberts, left, during an question and reply pinch Brittney Griner. (Michael Le Brecht II/ABC News via AP)
BRITTNEY GRINER RECALLS BLOODSTAINED MATTRESS AND OTHER HARSH LIVING CONDITIONS DURING RUSSIAN DETAINMENT
"They made maine constitute this letter. It was successful Russian," she said. "I had to inquire for forgiveness and acknowledgment from their alleged awesome leader. I didn’t want to do it, but astatine nan aforesaid clip I wanted to travel home."
Griner besides said she was disappointed that Paul Whelan, different American detained successful Russia, was not included successful nan trade.
"I walked connected and didn’t spot him, possibly he’s next. Maybe they will bring him next," she said. "They closed nan doorway and I was like, are you serious? You’re not going to fto this man travel location now."
Brittney Griner of nan Phoenix Mercury arrives to a "Bring Our Families Home" property convention astatine Footprint Center connected April 27, 2023 successful Phoenix. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Griner returned to nan Mercury for nan 2023 play and was named an All-Star.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is simply a elder editor for Fox News Digital.
