The Sparks guard’s rep speaks out
According to Los Angeles Sparks guard Riquna Williams’ agent, Orlando Castaño, the WNBA is seeking to suspend his client over the ongoing case against Williams stemming from allegations of domestic violence last December in Florida. The comments were reported by Tamryn Spruill of Swish Appeal.
According to Castaño, the league is seeking to suspend Williams utilizing Article XIV of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Player Conduct and Discipline.
High Post Hoops asked a spokesperson with the league whether the WNBA is currently seeking to suspend Williams and if the league has spoken to Williams in the course of its investigation, and the response referred High Post Hoops to the league’s previous statement on the matter.
High Post Hoops also reached out to the Sparks, who did not respond to an email seeking comment.
More from Los Angeles Sparks
- Bet $5 on Sparks vs. Sky, Win $150 Instantly with Limited-Time DraftKings Promo
- Los Angeles Sparks name Curt Miller next head coach
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, November 2: Shakeup in the ACC with Bollin commit, UNC retool
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 14: Mystics are going dancing
- Your Day in Women’s Basketball, September 10: Dream are (mathematically) stayin’ alive
High Post Hoops asked Williams whether Sparks general manager Penny Toler had discussed the incident with her last month, and Williams responded: “No, absolutely not. We’re just focused on bringing another championship and you know that’s not the focus. That’s in Florida, I’m here in California, so this is the focus.” Toler signed Williams after she was arrested.
Back on December 8, three separate witnesses, including the victim, Alkeria Davis, told police that Williams forced her way into a home, physically attacked Davis, punching her in the head, and then threatened Antonio Wilson with a gun. Last month, through a public records request, High Post Hoops published video of all three witnesses giving their statements to police on the night of the incident.
The case is ongoing, and Williams’ side most recently received a continuance until August 16. In the meantime, she has continued to play for the Sparks, averaging 10.6 points per game and lately getting included in the starting lineup on three occasions, while many around the league have expressed frustration or more, privately, over the ongoing situation.
Riquna Williams is in double-figures for the fifth time this season and three consecutive games. @LA_Sparks
— Eli Horowitz (@EliHorowitz_) July 7, 2019
While there has not been a legal resolution, it is worth noting that other leagues, such as Major League Baseball, have not needed a criminal conviction or admission of wrongdoing to suspend a player. Odubel Herrera of the Philadelphia Phillies saw domestic violence charges against him dropped this month. But Herrera, who had been placed on administrative leave as charges were pending, was suspended 85 games by MLB.
Nor has the WNBA waited for legal proceedings to conclude ahead of acting in past matters — while Glory Johnson’s case remained unsettled following an incident with Brittney Griner, the league suspended both Griner and Johnson seven games apiece back in 2015.
Love our 24/7 women’s basketball coverage? Join our Patreon now and support this work, while getting extra goodies and subscriber-only content for yourself.