The WNBA has "yet to announce its decision regarding a possible forfeiture" for the Las Vegas Aces’ choice "not to play" against the Washington Mystics on Friday, citing travel and health issues, according to John Altavilla in a special to the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. Aces C Carolyn Swords, who is also the team's WNBPA rep, reiterated that the team gave its decision a "lot of thought." She said, "We take the responsibility very seriously to play in front of our fans. It goes to show how much it weighed on us as we were deciding. A possible forfeit is not helpful, but it really was an issue of health and safety" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/6). Altavilla in a separate piece for the N.Y. TIMES noted the WNBPA "offered support" for the Aces. WNBPA VP Chiney Ogwumike and WNBPA First VP Layshia Clarendon "agreed that the team's 25-hour journey" from Las Vegas to DC for a Friday game "had put the Aces' players in danger of injury." Unlike NBA players, WNBA players "fly commercial planes because of the cost of charters." With the Aces 1 1/2 games out of a playoff spot, a league ruling of a forfeit "could have a major effect on the race." WNBPA Dir of Operations Terri Jackson said, "They are hopeful the league will explore all options to include rescheduling, but they are prepared for any result." The decision "not to play was made" at 6:30pm ET on Friday for a game that had been pushed back to 8:00pm. Jackson said that a "small group of players, including the team’s player representatives, were joined in talks" by the WNBPA staff and the NBPA's legal team in a call with WNBA President Lisa Borders before the cancellation was announced (N.Y. TIMES, 8/6).
MEETING RESISTANCE: In Las Vegas, Sam Gordon noted the team, in conjunction with the WNBPA, "contacted the WNBA and informed the league of its decision" to pull out of the game. Swords said that they "were met with resistance" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 8/5). Mystics coach Mike Thibault said, "I’m really disappointed that the Las Vegas players and organization didn’t come to compete." Fans already in the arena on Friday night "were given an autograph session with the Mystics players." All fans who had a ticket to the game "will receive a ticket to a future Mystics game." Las Vegas "never went" to the arena after "spending over a day traveling" (AP, 8/3).
