Brittney Griner has never been just a basketball player. The ten-time WNBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and champion with the Phoenix Mercury has long been a force both on and off the court. But in her latest interview and newly released book, Griner reveals a side of herself that few have ever seen—a survivor of one of the most harrowing ordeals in sports history, and an advocate for dignity, resilience, and hope.

A Story That Gripped the World

Griner’s story first captured headlines in 2022, when she was detained in Russia after being convicted on drug charges. Her sentence—nine years in a Russian penal colony—sparked outrage and concern from fans, fellow athletes, and political leaders worldwide. For months, her fate was uncertain, her future hanging in the balance as negotiations for her release played out behind closed doors.

It was only after a high-profile prisoner swap, trading Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, that she finally returned home. Now, after months of silence and reflection, Griner is sharing the full scope of her experience—one marked by humiliation, fear, and ultimately, a determination to reclaim her life.

“Don’t You Know I’m HUMAN Too?”

In a recent sit-down with former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, Griner opened up about the psychological and physical toll of her time in Russian custody. “I had to get transferred from the penal colony to the men’s prison in Moscow,” she recounted. “Their one little last play to terrorize me or mess with me… they had me basically stripped down, butt naked in front of a room of like seven to eight men.”

The moment, she says, was designed to dehumanize her—another instance in a series of humiliations and harassment she endured during her ten months behind bars. “They had the Polaroid and they got me standing in a circle while they [were] taking photos of my tattoos,” Griner added.

For Griner, the experience was a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by prisoners, especially those detained far from home. “Don’t you know I’m HUMAN too?” she asked, her words echoing the pain and resilience of those who have suffered in silence.

The Prisoner Swap: A Moment of Relief and Reflection

Griner’s release was part of a widely publicized exchange between the United States and Russia, trading her freedom for that of Viktor Bout, the so-called “Merchant of Death.” The moment was surreal—Griner, after months of isolation, was suddenly thrust into the global spotlight, shaking hands with Bout during the swap.

“In my mind, I’m like ‘I don’t plan on leaving the country ever again,’” Griner said, laughing. “I’m good, we got beaches right at the US of A.”

Her sense of humor, even in the face of trauma, has become a trademark—one that helped her survive the ordeal and begin the process of healing.

Coming Home: The Book That Tells All

In 2024, Griner published her second memoir, Coming Home, detailing her detainment, the toll it took on her mental and physical health, and the journey back to normalcy. The book offers a raw, unfiltered look at life behind bars in Russia, exploring not only the challenges of incarceration but also the strength required to overcome them.

Coming Home follows her 2014 memoir, In My Skin, which chronicled her struggles with identity, bullying, and the road to becoming one of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball. Together, the two books paint a portrait of an athlete who has faced adversity at every turn—and emerged stronger for it.

A New Chapter with the Atlanta Dream

After her return, Griner joined the Atlanta Dream, quickly establishing herself as a key contributor. In her first season, she averaged 10.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, helping the Dream to a 13-9 record—an impressive turnaround from their disappointing 15-25 finish the year before.

Her impact off the court has been just as significant. Griner has used her platform to speak out on issues of criminal justice, mental health, and the rights of LGBTQ+ athletes. Her willingness to share her story has inspired countless fans, many of whom see her as a symbol of hope and perseverance.

The Cost of Survival

Griner’s ordeal was not just physical—it was psychological. The constant threat of humiliation, the uncertainty of her fate, and the isolation from family and friends took a heavy toll. Yet, through it all, she found ways to cope, drawing strength from her memories, her faith, and the support of those who never stopped believing in her.

“I just kept telling myself, ‘You’re stronger than this. You can get through this,’” Griner shared in her interview with Newton. “There were days when I thought I couldn’t go on, but I remembered all the people who were fighting for me, all the fans who sent letters, and I knew I had to keep going.”

Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can endure.

Advocacy and Impact

Since her return, Griner has become a vocal advocate for prisoners’ rights and reform, using her experience to shed light on the realities faced by those behind bars. Her activism has drawn praise from fellow athletes, human rights organizations, and policymakers alike.

“Brittney’s courage in sharing her story is changing the conversation,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “She’s helping us understand the challenges faced by athletes abroad, and she’s using her platform to make a difference.”

Griner’s advocacy extends beyond her own experience. She has spoken out on behalf of other Americans detained overseas, urging lawmakers to prioritize their release and ensure their safety.

A Career Defined by Resilience

Griner’s journey from Phoenix Mercury star to Atlanta Dream leader has been marked by triumph and adversity. She led the Mercury to a WNBA title in 2014, earned two scoring championships, and became one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.

Her time in Russia, while traumatic, has only deepened her commitment to advocacy and leadership. “I want my story to help others,” Griner said. “If I can use my experience to bring attention to injustice, to help someone feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”

The Road Ahead

As Griner continues her career with the Atlanta Dream, she remains focused on both basketball and activism. Her goals are clear: to win, to inspire, and to make a difference.

“I’m grateful to be home, to be with my family, to play the game I love,” she said. “But I know there’s more work to be done. I want to keep fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Her message to fans is one of hope and gratitude. “Thank you to everyone who supported me, who believed in me, who never gave up. I’m here because of you.”

Reflections from the Basketball World

Griner’s return has been celebrated by teammates, coaches, and fans across the league. Atlanta Dream head coach Tanisha Wright praised her resilience and leadership, saying, “Brittney brings a strength and determination that lifts everyone around her. She’s not just a great player—she’s a great person.”

Former teammate Diana Taurasi echoed the sentiment. “Brittney’s been through so much, but she never lost her spirit. She’s a fighter, and she’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Lessons Learned

Griner’s ordeal in Russia has taught her—and the world—important lessons about justice, dignity, and the power of community. Her willingness to speak out, to share her pain and her hope, has made her a beacon for others facing adversity.

“I learned that you can’t take anything for granted,” Griner said. “Freedom, family, the chance to play the game you love—it can all be taken away in an instant. But if you hold on to hope, if you keep fighting, you can find your way back.”

The Power of Storytelling

Griner’s story is more than just a headline—it’s a call to action. Through her books, her interviews, and her advocacy, she is challenging others to look beyond the surface, to see the humanity in every person, and to fight for justice and compassion.

Her message resonates not just with athletes, but with anyone who has faced hardship and overcome it. “We all have struggles,” Griner said. “But we also have the power to rise above them, to help each other, to make a difference.”

Looking Forward

As Brittney Griner continues to rebuild her life and career, she remains committed to using her platform for good. Whether on the court or in the community, her impact will be felt for years to come.

Her journey is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, strength, hope, and humanity can prevail.