WNBA Liz Cambage Leaves The Los Angeles Sparks
WNBA Image via Complex.com
WNBA player Liz Cambage has been playing center for the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2022 season, but no longer with the team after playing with them for only 25 games. Tuesday, July 26, the Sparks announced that Cambage and the team agreed on a “contract divorce”.
“It is with support that we share Liz Cambage’s decision to terminate her contract with the organization. We want what’s best for Liz and have agreed to part ways amicably,” said Sparks Managing Partner Eric Holoman.
The Sparks signed Cambage on February 15, after being a free agent. Cambage said that she only wanted to play for Los Angeles after leaving the Los Vegas Aces. The Sparks currently sit third in the Western Conference winning 12 games and losing 15 games. As of now there has not been any information on Cambage’s plans after leaving the team.
Holoman said, “The Sparks remain excited about our core group and are focused on our run towards a 2022 playoff berth.”
WNBA insider and founder of “Girls Talk Sports TV” said that chemistry has been an issue for Sparks players since late may. The Sparks fired former general manager and head coach Derek Fisher. Assistant Coach Fred Williams will be the temporary head coach for the rest of the season.
Cambage returned to the WNBA in 2018 playing for the Dallas Wings after playing basketball in China and Australia for five years. She has played for a variety of teams in the WNBA league including Tulsa Shock which she played for in 2011 and 2013. 30-year-old Cambage is a four time WNBA All-Star. She won the bronze London Olympic medal in 2012, the silver FIBA World Cup in 2018 in Spain, and the gold medal in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 all while representing Australia.
Cambage left the Australian national team before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health reasons. It was later released following her leaving the team that she used racially insensitive remarks towards some players on the Nigerian team. According to News.com.au, Cambage called Nigerian players “monkees” and video footage shows that she physically assaulted some players during a closed practice. The Nigerian teammates also confirm that she said “go back to your third world country.” The teammates went on to say it hurt them deeply since Cambage is half Nigerian. Cambage has denied being verbally and physically abusive to the Nigerian team.