Brittney Griner’s Russian detainment gets ESPN documentary

WNBA star Brittney Griner is working with ESPN and Disney to share the story of her detainment in Russia.

This will include several projects: a documentary for ESPN Films, an exclusive first interview on ABC with Robin Roberts and, potentially, a scripted series with ABC Signature. 

“The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” Griner, 33, said in a statement announcing the projects. 

Her wife, Cherelle Griner, will also serve as an executive producer. In her own statement, Cherelle said, “Throughout BG’s detainment and in the time since, ESPN, ABC and Disney were supportive and caring in regards to the human side of this saga..Love and family were at the center of the fight to get BG home, and with that in mind, there is no better, more trusted partner to tell that story with us.”

Griner was arrested in February 2022 at a Moscow airport while traveling to Russia to play for a professional team there during the WNBA offseason. 

A cannabis vape cartridge was allegedly found in her luggage. The WNBA All-Star pleaded guilty to drug possession charges in July 2022 and was sentenced to nine years in a forced labor camp in Mordovia. At one point, former basketball star Dennis Rodman threw his hat in the ring to go to Russia on an unsanctioned diplomatic mission – but he backed down. 

She was released after being held for nearly 10 months on Dec. 8, 2022, as part of a prisoner swap with Russia, in exchange for handing over international arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.”

After Griner’s release, her wife shared an emotional message thanking the many supporters who advocated for the Olympic gold medalist’s release in an Instagram post.

“Yesterday my heart was made whole thanks to the collective efforts of MANY! I’m humbled by their hearts,” Cherelle wrote.

“To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some — is humanity in its purest form,” Cherelle said. “As BG and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits — I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands; seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again!” 

“I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story,” Brittney’s statement announcing the upcoming projects continued.

“Because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that.”