WNBA's Brittney Griner: 'I Wanted to Take My Life More Than Once' in Russian Jail

WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner said she contemplated suicide during her stay in a Russian prison.

"I wanted to take my life more than once in the first weeks," Griner told ABC's Robin Roberts. "I felt like leaving here so badly."

Griner spent 10 months in a Russian prison after being caught with a cannabis vape pen when she was attempting to travel home after playing professional basketball overseas. She was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap with Russia amid months of high-profile coverage.

Griner said she did not turn to suicide over fear her body would not be returned to her family.

The 33-year-old returned to the WNBA last year after missing the 2022 season while detained. She averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, earning All-Star honors for the ninth time.

Griner has not continued her international basketball career since her arrest. However, she is expected to be part of Team USA's women's national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.