The harrowing 9-10 months Brittney Griner spent in a Russian penal colony cast a long shadow over the basketball world. It was a stark reminder of the risks athletes face when playing overseas, and it also forced many to reconsider their choices. Rising star Flau’Jae Johnson, known for her electrifying performances on the court and her burgeoning music career, is one such athlete to draw a firm line.

On a recent episode of the Best of Both Worlds podcast, Johnson’s stance was crystal clear. In a candid conversation with Last-Tear Poa, she didn’t hesitate when asked if she’d consider playing abroad. “Ooh, no, mm-mm. Absolutely not, nope,” Johnson replied emphatically. “I mean, I already didn’t want to go. And then after that whole Brittney Griner thing, I was like, I’m definitely not going to go. Even though that was a whole other situation itself still. Like, I don’t – mm-mm.”

For Johnson, the decision isn’t just about avoiding potential risks. It’s about carving out a future that aligns with her personal and professional goals. “You know I would like to do my music and stuff in the offseason, so I wouldn’t want to go play overseas,” she explained. “And now they got this new league called Unrivaled, so if I did want to play, I would play, like, in that league.”

Johnson’s perspective reflects a broader shift in the priorities of young athletes. Historically, many WNBA players, including Griner, sought lucrative opportunities overseas to supplement their relatively low domestic earnings. But Griner’s detention in Russia—the result of carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, despite having a medical prescription—exposed the precariousness of these ventures.

For Johnson, Griner’s story solidified what was already a tentative stance on international play. As a multi-talented individual, she values the ability to balance her passions. Domestic leagues like Unrivaled offer her a safer, more flexible path that doesn’t compromise her safety or her creative pursuits.

Griner’s Ordeal Inspires Flau’Jae Johnson’s Safer Career Path

While Johnson’s focus remains firmly on her own future, Brittney Griner’s experience looms large as a cautionary tale. Griner endured cramped prison conditions, expired toothpaste, and a profound sense of isolation. “The guards would literally come open up the little peep hole, look in, and then I would hear them laughing, walking down the hallway,” Griner recounted in her recent interview with journalist Terry Gross on Fresh Air.

Her ordeal has had a ripple effect across the basketball world, particularly among younger players like Johnson. Griner’s release in December 2022 brought relief, but her experiences—detailed in her memoir Coming Home—serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and risks that can come with overseas contracts.

For Flau’Jae Johnson, success means more than numbers on a stat sheet. It’s about controlling her narrative and safeguarding her future. With domestic opportunities expanding and innovative leagues emerging, she’s not alone in this mindset. “I’m definitely not going to go,” Johnson reiterated on her podcast, underscoring her resolve to keep her career rooted in safer environments.

As a new generation of athletes reevaluates the costs of overseas play, Johnson’s approach offers a blueprint: prioritize passion, stay true to your goals, and never compromise on safety. Griner’s nightmare may have shaken the basketball world, but it’s also inspired players like Johnson to chart their own paths—on their terms.