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WNBA star Brittney Griner recently shared some shocking details about her time in a Russian detention facility, including the disturbing circumstances that led one of her cellmates to be imprisoned alongside her.
During an interview on Cam Newton’s “Funky Friday” podcast, Griner discussed her experience in prison, highlighting the lack of segregation based on the nature of inmates’ crimes.
Griner revealed that while most inmates were incarcerated for serious offenses like murder or drug-related crimes, one of her early cellmates was involved in a particularly disturbing activity.
Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) grabs a rebound in the third quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Griner described her cellmate’s disturbing behavior, stating that the woman had burn marks on her body and was selling inappropriate videos online involving her husband and child.
According to Griner, the nature of her cellmate’s crimes made her a target for mistreatment by other inmates.
“There’s not a lot of torturing from inmates with girls on the women’s side,” Griner said. “But if you in there for something like that, yeah, you going to get tortured.”
Griner expressed frustration over the lack of segregation in the prison, as she did not want to be associated with her cellmate’s crimes.
Reflecting on her experience in prison, Griner shared harrowing details about the conditions she faced, including inadequate hygiene products and a lack of basic necessities.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted from a court room after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Aug. 4, 2022. On Thursday, she was freed in exchange for Viktor Bour, a convicted international arms dealer. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
Griner’s ordeal in Russia began when she inadvertently brought vape cartridges into the country, leading to her imprisonment and a nine-year sentence. After serving nearly 10 months, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange.
Since returning to the United States, Griner has gained a new perspective on life, exemplified by her emotional reaction to Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) questions a call during the first half of a WNBA basketball basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Griner, who currently plays for the Dream, has shown resilience and strength both on and off the court. Despite her challenging experiences, she continues to excel in her career as a professional basketball player.
Griner’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges.
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