WNBA's Brittney Griner Worried Plane Would Be Shot Down After Russian Prison Release

WNBA star Brittney Griner continued to fear for her safety while en route to the United States from Russia following her release from prison.

In an interview with women's soccer legend Megan Rapinoe for The Cut, she was "really happy, but I was nervous at the same time" upon learning she was due to return home. She worried this was a "big mindf--k" and that this was all a ruse before she was transferred to another prison.

"After a couple of days, I got a note underneath my door that said, 'Be ready at midnight' or some late, crazy hour," Griner said. "I didn't even go to sleep. I packed up all my stuff. I slept with my shoes on, and then I finally got to process out. I had put on real clothes. That's when I knew."

Griner's sense of unease remained as she set foot on the plane that would fly her to the States.

"We get to that airport, and I get on that plane," she said. "I was worried someone might shoot the plane down. It wouldn't be the first time. I knew I wouldn't feel safe until wheels are on U.S. soil."

The eight-time All-Star recently gave an interview to ABC's Robin Roberts, detailing the conditions of her wrongful imprisonment, which made her feel "less than a human." She said she cut her signature dreadlocks because her hair would freeze and lead her to get sick. Spiders were also nesting above her bed where she was sleeping.

Concerns for Griner's well-being have continued after she safely disembarked on American soil in December 2022. The WNBA relaxed its rules on chartered travel to accommodate the veteran center for security reasons.