Rickea Jackson has been missing in action for the Sparks since suffering a concussion during the team's third game of the season on May 27. That automatically meant she would miss the next two games, but Jackson has yet to return to the floor for the Sparks. Naturally, WNBA fans and those who run social media accounts about the league have done some sleuthing, and rumors began to circulate that the 24-year-old could be pregnant.
Jackson addressed the rumors head-on during the Sparks' practice media availability on Tuesday, June 3. In a video shared on Reddit, Jackson said, "The media isn't about facts anymore." She added, "It's about who to get out [a story] the quickest that's going to blow up the most ... I feel like whatever sounds the juiciest, that's what people want to go with. Like, ooh, I'm pregnant apparently."
Jackson also noted that she simply needed additional time after the concussion to address "lingering things." She didn't specify what those might be, and she doesn't have to. As much as there are increasing conversations about the importance of supporting the mental health of athletes, it's clear from the interview that she's frustrated by how quickly the story flipped on her after she suffered a legitimate injury while doing her job.
Rickea Jackson doesn't have to hide anything
Jackson is known for being outgoing and kind, as well as direct and forthcoming. Though she's been protective of her personal life (as she has ever right to be), she's not known for keeping secrets from fans, and it's clear she takes her career as a professional basketball player seriously. Many of the so-called outlets that reported on a potential pregnancy did so without consulting Jackson or the Sparks, requesting a comment, or doing little more than parroting rumors that were flying around social media.
It's true that social media needs athletes and athletes need social media — there are brand partnerships that are built on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and engaging with fans can be a rewarding and fun experience for everyone involved — but it's already clear this WNBA season that some so-called fans are taking things too far. Sure, it's okay to wonder why an athlete isn't out on the court, but perhaps more thought can be put into avoiding spreading rumors simply for clicks, likes, or engagement.
As Jackson put it, the Sparks are here to win. With her back on the court and the return of Cameron Brink (hopefully) approaching, the team has a real shot at doing something special this season — if certain narratives are put to rest.