8:41 PM ET
John Barr
Reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne says a panel of physicians has actually rejected her request to decide out of the 2020 season due to medical issues, a decision she says is at chances with the guidance she got from her own individual physician, the Washington Mystics star and her agent informed ESPN on Monday.
” The independent panel of medical professionals the league selected to examine high-risk cases have advised that Im not high threat, and must be allowed to play in the bubble,” Delle Donne said in a declaration launched to ESPN Monday.
” I enjoy my team, and we had an astounding season last year, and I wish to play! The question is whether or not the WNBA bubble is safe for me. My individual doctor who has actually treated me for Lyme disease for several years advised me that Im at high danger for contracting and having complications from COVID-19,” Delle Donne added in her statement.
” Im thinking things over, speaking to my physician and my wife, and look forward to sharing what I ultimately plan to do soon.”
Sarah Spain
Sarah Spain (follow her on Twitter @SarahSpain) is the co-host of Spain & & Fitz on ESPN Radio, host of the Thats What She Said podcast, a SportsCenter press reporter and an espnW writer given that 2010. She was a heptathlete at Cornell and is a long-lasting Chicago sports fan.
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1 Related” When I talked to Elena, her initial response was disbelief,” Delle Donnes representative, Erin Kane, said about her customers reaction to the judgment by league physicians.
The panel of physicians was convened by the league and the WNBA Players Association.
” I know doctors do not always agree with each other and that there are different viewpoints on certain things within the medical community and now I have a player who remains in an exceptionally hard scenario due to the fact that of the method things lined up,” Kane said.
Lyme disease is not included on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions list of hidden conditions that might put someone at an increased risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
The panel of physicians thinks about the CDCs standards when examining high-risk cases, according to a draft of the leagues health and security protocol acquired by ESPN.
Both Kane and an agent for another gamer looking for a medical exemption revealed issues about what they feel is the improperly laid out process and unclear instructions paid for to those seeking a ruling from the medical panel. Both likewise found league reps to be unclear in explaining exactly what the panel would be ruling on and revealed their frustration with a required waiver absolving the panel of doctors from any responsibility.
A league spokesperson declined to comment Monday night, citing concerns about privacy on players private medical issues.
Delle Donne, 30, has yet to take a trip with her Mystics colleagues to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where WNBA gamers, coaches and support personnel live under a series of rigorous medical and housing protocols.
The six-time All-Star has battled chronic Lyme illness since 2008 and spoken publicly for years about the need for a treatment. Shes likewise recuperating from back surgery in January to repair three herniated disks, Kane stated.
” Its still possible shell decide out,” Kane said. “Like a lot of people, shes making an option between whats best for her from a health viewpoint and whats finest for her from a monetary perspective for her and her family.”
A panel of 3 doctors was developed to encourage the WNBA on whether a player can be clinically excused for the season, which is scheduled to begin at the end of the month. Gamers deemed to be “high risk” or who have a medical factor to pull out will receive their full income. Gamers who dont meet that medical threshold in the opinion of the panel, can still opt out and skip the season if the panel does not give them a medical waiver, but they wont get paid their wage in that occasion.
Lyme disease isnt pointed out by the CDC as something that would place an individual at “high danger,” however Kane informed ESPN that the Mystics team doctor, Dr. Anne Rettig, sent out a letter to the medical panel advising it that Delle Donne was cleared to play however keeping in mind that she should be thought about “greater threat.”
Choices by the medical panel are final and gamers have no ability to appeal, Kane said.
In a statement to ESPN Monday, Mystics basic manager and head coach Mike Thibault stated: “As with all of our players, we have and will support Elena throughout this process. The health and wellness of our gamers is of the utmost value.”
Delle Donnes teammate Tina Charles, who was gotten from the New York Liberty in a trade throughout the offseason, was also waiting on a decision from the leagues medical panel. The Mystics would be down to 10 gamers on the roster if Delle Donne and Charles miss the season.
“My heart has actually gone out to everyone who has had to select in between their health and having an earnings, and of course to anybody who has actually lost their job, their house, and anyone they love in this pandemic,” Delle Donne stated.
” I love my group, and we had an incredible season last year, and I desire to play! My individual doctor who has actually treated me for Lyme disease for years encouraged me that Im at high danger for contracting and having complications from COVID-19,” Delle Donne added in her statement.
A panel of 3 physicians was developed to advise the WNBA on whether a gamer can be medically excused for the season, which is set up to start at the end of the month. Players considered to be “high threat” or who have a medical reason to choose out will get their full wage. Players who dont satisfy that medical limit in the opinion of the panel, can still choose out and avoid the season if the panel does not grant them a medical waiver, however they wont get paid their salary in that occasion.
