Los Angeles Sparks

Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike and guard Kristi Toliver will not take part in the WNBA's 22-game season, which is scheduled to be held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Mechelle Voepel of ESPN.com, Toliver cited health reasons for her decision: 

"Though I want very much to compete with my team, to be a leader and show up for them, I am not comfortable with the risk to my physical health—short term and long term—given the many unknowns of COVID-19 and the risk of injury. For me, the right decision under the circumstances is to opt out for the year."

Ogwumike, who also works for ESPN and serves as the vice president of WNBA's executive committee, mentioned injury concerns in a message on Twitter:

💜🙏🏿💛 pic.twitter.com/ADdndFdOzb

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) June 27, 2020

There are other WNBA players who have opted to sit out the 2020 campaign, per Jack Maloney of CBS Sports, including Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud, Mystics forward/center LaToya Sanders, Atlanta Dream guards Tiffany Hayes and Renee Montgomery and Connecticut Sun forward/center Jonquel Jones.

Cited reasons include concerns about COVID-19 and participating in social justice efforts. 

The Sparks finished last season with a 22-12 record, good enough for first place in the Western Conference. They reached the league semifinals but were swept by the Connecticut Sun. 

Toliver signed with the Sparks this offseason after three years with the Mystics, including a title-winning season in 2019. The three-time All-Star dropped 13.0 points and made 6.0 assists per game while shooting a career-high 49.4 percent from the field. She led the team in assists and was third in scoring.

Toliver played seven years with the Sparks before going to the Mystics in 2017. The former Maryland star went third overall to the Chicago Sky in the 2009 WNBA draft but was traded to the Sparks after one season.

Ogwumike also shot 49.4 percent from the field last year, posting 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

The two-time All-Star dominated for the Connecticut Sun during the 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons, averaging career highs with 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during her rookie year.

Unfortunately, injuries, including a microfracture in her right knee in 2015 and an Achilles injury in 2017, have kept the ex-Stanford star off the court for long periods of time.

The Sparks should have enough talent to post a winning record sans Toliver and Ogwumike, although losing both is a huge blow to their championship chances. 

Still, the team has leading scorer Nneka Ogwumike (Chiney's older sister), three-time All-Star point guard Chelsea Gray, three-point sharpshooter Riquna Williams and two-time MVP Candace Parker.

Prior to Ogwumike's and Toliver's announcements, the Sparks had the third-best odds to win the WNBA Finals, according to Vegas Insider, behind the Las Vegas Aces and defending champion Mystics.

They should still find themselves in the thick of what looks to be a six-team race for the crown, with the Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm and defending runner-up Sun also in the mix as opening tipoff July 24 draws closer.

WNBA star Diana Taurasi held nothing back during an Instagram Live session Saturday along with her wife Penny Taylor, Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird and soccer star Megan Rapinoe.

According to Mechelle Voepel of ESPN, the four-hour video featured a discussion about player salaries for women as well as female ownership of WNBA teams.

Taurasi said owning a team is a goal for her after retiring as a player.

"Everyone is like, 'Do you want to be a coach? Do you want to be a GM?' No," she said, "I want to f--king own it."

At the very least, the 37-year-old wants to see some more female owners.

"Where are the rich women? I'm so disappointed in the women that have a lot of money," Taurasi said. "Sometimes you invest in things that don't make money yet, but you want to make them better."

The Phoenix Mercury guard also noted she would have liked to play for the Los Angeles Sparks at some point in her career, but there have been too many issues with the franchise.

"Their organization is a s--tshow," she said. "It's just a mess."

Some of the issues with the Sparks organization include general manager Penny Toler being fired last October after using the N-word in a locker room speech. First-year head coach Derek Fisher also benched two-time MVP Candace Parker during a semifinal loss.

Though Taurasi is from Glendale, California, she has spent her entire 15-year WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, earning nine All-Star selections. Taylor, her wife, is an assistant coach with the team after spending most of her WNBA playing career there.

The WNBA's all-time leading scorer, Taurasi also gave an honest assessment of her chances to play for the United States national team in the next Summer Olympics, which have been delayed to 2021 because of the coronavirus.

"They should put the team together that has the best chance to win," she said. "It's not the best players—it's the best ensemble of complementary players. And if you don't think I can give you that, I'm out."

Taurasi has won four Olympic gold medals in her career after a legendary NCAA career at UConn.

The WNBA season was scheduled to start May 15, but it has been postponed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Candace Parker is a two-time WNBA MVP, but she has been spending the past few weeks just like the rest of us at home. 

The Los Angeles Sparks forward is a five-time All-Star who spends her offseason as a basketball analyst for Turner Sports on TNT and NBATV. However, the NBA season is suspended and the WNBA season has been postponed, leaving time for Parker to join Bleacher Report for an AMA.

The 33-year-old answered a variety of questions Monday, including about her all-time WNBA starting five, competing against NBA players and the 2020 slam dunk contest.

     

@GdawgFTW: What have you been doing during quarantine?

I have been working out, teaching fifth grade, cooking, and watching a lot of Netflix. I can't wait for the bonus episode of Tiger King. It always takes a turn, no way I can tell you what this show is about haha. 

You think you're past the crazy...then you're like wait a second. 

       

@AndrewMayer777: Who in the NBA do you want to 1v1?

Really good question! I need a guard, because I want to post 'em up. I would say...Kyrie. I don't want to play him, because I don't want to defend him but it would be cool to post him up. 

      

@Dixon12: Chick-fil-A or Popeyes?

CFA. Not even close. Don't think I've even had popeyes

      

@therealGM: What's your best Pat Summitt story from your days at UT?

Oh my goodness! Let's see. One day she was getting on me at practice, and the next day I was like 'I'mma show her I'm for real.' I get there and I'm gonna get there really early. We have practice at 6, I'm gonna get there by 430, have a nice lather going. I got there...she was already there and had worked out already. By 430. And so I was like, she doesn't just want us to work hard. She does. 

       

@BronGOAT23: Do you think you could win MVP in the NBA? How do you think the two leagues are different?

No. I think they're different obviously with athleticism. Our game is getting there, we play above the rim, but it's not even close. There's guys that have roles based on athleticism, being able to run the floor and it's different based on that. They're moving the game forward in terms of stretching the defense, playing more of a 1v1 game, where we play more of a team game, sharing the ball. Things like that. Those are the two major differences.

        

@BlessedVolsFan: Would you ever consider trying to be a coach at UT or in the WNBA?

Never say never...But no haha. I want to coach my daughter and I never thought I would get there. There's a possibility, I'd never rule out anything. I just lack that patient gene haha

       

@NBL21_bombasquad: Favorite song rn?

I'm like an old soul haha. My friends get mad at me because I always play Old School music. Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson. Right now...probably Dance Monkey honestly because my daughter plays it and I can't get it out of my head. Or all the Tik Tok songs

         

@allrise99: You are an inspiration!!! How do you overcome all the obstacles women in sports face?

Face 'em. Was always taught to have a goal every day. One that's easily attainable to make yourself feel good and another that's more far out and that's kinda how I lived my years and my career. Focus on the legacy and what it all means after you're all done. Put your head down and work. 

        

@JackPail: If you could dunk on any player who would it be and why?

My brothers, my two brothers. My brother played in the NBA for like 10 years (I should probably check that haha). Whenever we play, joke around, my middle brother is very athletic so it would give me more joy and AMAZING dinners at the dinner table for years to come if I could dunk on them.

       

@TheCarolineWay: What was your favorite place to eat in Knoxville?

They used to have this little spot called Sawyer's. It was right on campus. They had the BEST chicken fingers, with homemade sauce. I used to get it before every road trip. 

        

@JCTheLit: Could you have won the ESPN HORSE challenge?

If anybody says no…'they couldn't have won it'...they'd be in trouble. I will say, Allie Quigley is a beast. I played with her in Turkey and Istanbul, I've never seen anybody shoot like her. We grew up in the same area, played against each other. I just love her rise. She's always grinded. She always works hard, she's super fundamental. That would have been tough for sure. 

        

@mikeyoung345: Favorite movie?

OHHH ok. Taking it way back. Do you remember the Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror? I used to watch that movie, on repeat, every single day as a child. It gives me so much joy to show that to my daughter. She loves it. Knows all Michael Jackson songs. 

Rookie of the Year. Like Mike. Sandlot. Now and Then. Sister Sister. Every single Full House. Every show I liked growing up, I showed her. 

       

@LefkoeBR: What do you look for in a Spades partner?

He was my spades partner at D-Wade's apartment. Adam Lefkoe fits every quality. Studies the game. Prepared coming in. Throws out the right suit when it's played. KNOWS WHEN I'M CUTTING. That's crucial. 

        

@Steve_Perrault: What's been the best part of your TNT coverage on Tuesday's?

Favorite part, honestly, I feel like we're a team. I like the vibe, the respect everybody has. With respect, when you establish that relationship, you can disagree with people and they don't take it personal. Love the fact that we have fun, can disagree and say stuff. I enjoy when it's off-camera, in the film room just watching games and talking s--t. That's my favorite part. 

Lefkoe is fantastic. D-Wade wants to be great at television. Shaq the same way, he's the best. We found our groove and I really enjoy it. I have fun on set.  

      

@Narrative: Will you marry me?

Hahaha um, yeah, I'm good right now, but I appreciate it. I don't know you so... 

        

@Not_RudyGobert: What's the best part about Los Angeles?

I love Los Angeles and I'm from the midwest. Best part is you can get something different in every place. Different food, different culture. Can get the hiking vibe, the Hollywood vibe. Can go and get authentic food from different countries, which I love. Culturally, can have a lot of different experiences.

        

@Chris_Mist: What was it like to judge and enjoy all star weekend?

Chicago was the best all-star game since Chicago. The best since '88. Best since Dominique and Mike, by far. Anybody that hesitates to admit that, you guys are jealous, just must not be feeling Chicago. No way you can debate that. Fun just to be a part of it. Historic. 

          

@KingCeeBurn: Was the Dunk Contest rigged?

This is how I knew fake news spreads. Because I gave him a 10. And everybody went in on me. This is when I was like, don't just jump on the back of somebody else. Do your research before you start accusing haha. Everybody was like, Aaron Gordon should have won! Yeah, I think so too! I gave him a 10 if you look at it! I thought it was hilarious. My friends were at the game and when I saw them after the Dunk Contest they yelled at me. I think it's because I stood up that they thought I was a 9. I just laughed, the whole point was to have them be even and then have us decide it. It was one of the best dunk contests ever. 

       

@Dplovesbball: Who are the top 5 WNBA players all-time?

Top five is really hard. Gonna move some positions around. 

PG: Ticha Penicheiro. 

SG: Cheryl Miller at the 2

SF: Diana at the 3. 

PF: Myself

C: Lisa Leslie or Lauren Jackson, but Lisa was my teammate, so I'mma go with Lisa 

      

@Rip6: What NBA player has the best signature shoe?

The best sig shoe there ever was were the Kobes when he was with the Adidas. The moon boots. I have every moon boot pair. They came out with a vino pair, when he was retiring, it's like wine-cork shoe. That was my favorite shoe, I played in that shoe when I was playing AAU. Was our AAU team shoe. Now I love it. I rocked it in Chicago, have some pairs that are pretty dope. 

       

@matthewfarvin19: How did you feel when you heard the news about Kobe?

There are things that you understand happen. There are things you can't imagine. I still wake up every day like it's not possible. Somebody said it best: You feel like because you're great or something like that that you almost have this layer of protection, it's super tragic for what it did to basketball but him as a human being, made me change the way I live. People remember you for basketball which is great, but what he was doing after basketball, he was almost going to be bigger than as a basketball player. 

He was a great person, and that's where you want to be. The coverage was one of the hardest things, to go into Staples. What he did for women's basketball and continuing to do. Tragic all around. 

        

@ladarius26: Who is your fav player in the NBA?

That's a really good question. I think you like players that play like you. Historically over time, I always watched Lamar Odom. He was dominant in the years that he played, but if he played in today's game? Don't think they utilized him at the time, still changed the way games were played. Always watched him just from being able to relate it to my game. 

Right now, Kevin Durant. He's just a walking bucket. Enjoyed the way he's changed the way people think of bigs, being able to step away from the basket. 

        

@cspr1236: Favorite rapper? 

Jay-Z. 

       

@ephraimtheguy: What number would you wear if it wasn't #3? 

I actually wore number 32 in high school. It was retired at Tennessee because of Daedra Charles, RIP, so I had to pick another number and picked number three because I was a huge Allen Iverson fan. Baggy shorts, everything haha. 

         

@BermBanger_21: What was the loudest game you've played in? 

Played against UCONN at home and there were 26,000 people and it got extremely loud. That's when I was like, ok, this is why it came to Tennessee. 

       

Q: What is your favorite game or play of your career?

Favorite play: When I was a junior in high school. I remember seeing a behind-the-back move. So I went through the entire team. Spun, went between the legs, then another girl came to take it and I went behind my back. I remember being like, 'that was a nice move' haha. 

Game: Two games. My junior year, at Tennessee, when we played Ole Miss to go to the Final Four. I just had an insane game. Was the HUMP, the obstacle you had to get over to get to the Final Four, and we were on a mission that year. Was the exclamation point game. 

Professional: Game 5 against Minnesota when we won the first WNBA championship. 

       

Q: Go-to pre-game song or soundtrack?

Biggest Jay-Z fan ever. So any type of Jay-Z song. Song Cry is my favorite vibe.

        

Q: How far do you think the moon is from Earth?

Gotta be millions of miles away, right? I would say 3 million miles away. I'm into history, not science haha

Los Angeles Sparks head coach Derek Fisher and Gloria Govan have a number of things to worry about during the coronavirus pandemic, but they are still doing what they can for those in need. 

During an interview with TMZ Sports, the engaged couple, whose wedding was planned for this weekend before the situation forced a postponement, said they are providing food and masks for nurses, doctors, EMTs and other first responders in the Southern California area.

Govan's restaurant, Gorditos in Granada Hills, is providing the food even though it is struggling amid social distancing measures.

TMZ noted the restaurant has furloughed many of its workers during the pandemic and is "fighting to stay open."

Fisher and his Sparks are also in limbo and unsure when they can return to the court after the WNBA postponed the start of the 2020 season which was scheduled to begin May 15.

In addition to his time as a WNBA coach, Fisher was a five-time champion during an NBA season that featured stops with the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

Los Angeles Sparks guard Sydney Wiese announced on Friday she has tested positive for COVID-19: 

I tested positive for COVID-19. I am feeling well- fortunate to only show mild symptoms, but I am capable of spreading it. All of us are united in our fight to stop this spread and keep everyone safe/healthy. I will do my part, and I hope you do too.

— Sydney Wiese (@swiesebaby24) March 27, 2020

The 24-year-old said her symptoms have been mild and have mostly resulted in loss of taste and smell. She is currently isolating in her Phoenix, Arizona home.  

Wiese was playing overseas in Spain with La Seu d'Urgell when the United States announced a travel ban, prompting her to immediately head home. She arrived back in L.A. on March 13, per Mirjam Swanson of the Press-Telegram, two days after the seriousness of the virus grabbed hold of the nation's attention following the NBA suspending its season. 

Spain has been among the countries hit hardest by the spread of the pathogen. As of Friday evening, the nation has the fourth-most cases in the world, behind only China, Italy and the United States, with 56,188 confirmed positive tests for COVID-19, per the World Health Organization. The virus has killed 23,495 globally. 

Wiese told Swanson that the mass confusion surrounding travel led to her not being tested upon arriving back in the U.S.

"I got to customs at LAX by 11:30 p.m. Friday night, and I was in line for an hour and a half," Wiese said. "When I got to the customs desk, they asked where I was traveling from. I said, 'Barcelona,' and they were unsure if they needed to test me or not. Asked a few more officials if I needed a test, but they ended up saying I didn't. Looking back, I should've insisted on being tested, but I didn't." 

In their statement, the Sparks said they are in direct communication with Wiese and wish her a speedy recovery. 

Wiese is encouraging social distancing practices and looking out for others as the virus continues to spread in the U.S. 

 

Former Los Angeles Sparks general manager Penny Toler has filed a lawsuit against the franchise in which she says she was fired because she filed complaints about team executives, including an accusation of "sexually predatory conduct" against former coach Brian Agler. 

TMZ Sports obtained a copy of the lawsuit, which makes several accusations against members of Sparks management. Toler says the team refused to investigate Agler despite players complaining about the coach, who resigned in 2018 and is currently the coach of the Dallas Wings. 

The suit also says Toler attempted to report an affair involving "high-level team execs," but the organization did not investigate. In addition, she says former team president Christine Simmons blocked her from trading star Candace Parker because the women are friends. According to Toler, Simmons influenced the organization to fire her after she used the N-word in a locker-room blowup with players during the 2019 playoffs.

"It's ridiculous that the organization used Toler's use of the word 'n---a' during a locker room speech to rally the team against her when during practices and workouts songs played from Spotify were laced with the same slang expletives or worse," Holly Baird, who represents Toler, told TMZ.

Toler served as the Sparks' general manager from 1999-2019, compiling rosters that won three WNBA championships. She is suing the organization for breach of contract, wrongful termination and retaliation, among other claims.

For years, Seimone Augustus battled against the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA title race as a member of the Minnesota Lynx. Now, Augustus is joining forces with her one-time rival. 

The Sparks announced Thursday they had signed the 35-year-old guard. She averaged 3.8 points and 1.3 assists in 12 appearances for the Lynx in 2019.

𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙏𝙤 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙🌴

4X @WNBA Champion @seimoneaugustus signs with Los Angeles

📰 » https://t.co/qoPqJPjBMq#GoSparks #LeadTheCharge pic.twitter.com/MQa96HRaSk

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) February 20, 2020

"Seimone Augustus is a player I've admired from a distance throughout her illustrious career," head coach Derek Fisher said in the team's press release. "She's a leader, fierce competitor and a winner. We're excited to work with her and have her join our group as we continue to build towards the vision we have for our 2020 season."

Augustus is effectively filling the void left by Alana Beard, who formally announced her retirement in January. She can help spread the floor on offense and provides a level of defensive versatility.

And after a bumpy first year for Fisher, the Sparks might think another experienced veteran on the roster can further ease his transition to the WNBA.

Leaving the rivalry between the Lynx and Sparks aside, a move to L.A. makes sense for Augustus.

The eight-time All-Star missed time after undergoing surgery a season ago. By joining a stacked roster that already includes Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray and recently arrived Kristi Toliver, she won't have to assume a large role in the team's rotation.

Augustus has only played with the Lynx, who selected her first overall in the 2006 draft. However, Minnesota is heading for another year of limbo with Maya Moore sitting out. The team also has failed to make any significant upgrades in free agency so far.

Leaving the Lynx and signing with the Sparks gives Augustus a shot at winning her fifth WNBA title.

The Los Angeles Sparks announced the firing of longtime general manager and executive vice president Penny Toler on Friday. 

Lauren A. Jones of the Los Angeles Sentinel tweeted the following statement provided by the Sparks:

Here is the full statement from the LA Sparks on Toler’s dismissal following reports that she used the “N word” in addressing Sparks players after a loss during the WNBA Playoffs pic.twitter.com/ut967bLIB0

— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) October 4, 2019

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Derek Fisher will stay on as the team's head coach despite the fact that L.A. was swept in three games by the Connecticut Sun in the playoff semifinals.

Toler was mired in controversy Thursday when Shelburne wrote an article detailing a speech she gave the players after their Game 2 loss to the Suns. Toler, who is black, admitted to using the "N-word" in her speech, but said it wasn't directed toward the players:

"By no means did I call my players the N-word. I'm not saying that I couldn't have used it in a context. But it wasn't directed at any of my players.

"It's unfortunate I used that word. I shouldn't. Nobody should. ... But you know, like I said, I'm not here to defend word by word by word what I said. I know some of the words that I'm being accused of are embellished. Did I give a speech that I hoped would get our team going? Yes.

"I think that this whole conversation has been taken out of context because when we lose, emotions are running high and, unfortunately and obviously, some people feel some type of way."

Shelburne spoke with multiple Sparks players who said the speech made them feel uncomfortable. She was also told that Toler called the players "motherf--kers" and said she would replace them if they were swept by the Sun.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert said Thursday that the league would investigate Toler's actions.

Fisher was also under fire for the way he coached in L.A.'s 78-56 season-ending loss in Game 3 against Connecticut. Sparks star Candace Parker played just 11 minutes in the game, and players told Shelburne they believe Fisher's decision to bench Parker was "premeditated."

The Sparks hired Fisher during the offseason after Brian Agler left to become head coach of the Dallas Wings.

Toler played for the Sparks from 1997-1999 before retiring to become the team's GM. In 20 seasons as general manager, Toler led the Sparks to 18 playoff appearances and a trio of WNBA titles in 2001, 2002 and 2016.

Los Angeles Sparks general manager Penny Toler reportedly unleashed a profanity-laced tirade in an effort to motivate the team after their Game 2 loss to the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA semifinals.

Toler, who is black, told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne she may have used the N-word but not as a pejorative. Players who were in the locker room told Shelburne Toler called them "motherf--kers" and showed "total disrespect."

"By no means did I call my players the N-word," Toler told ESPN. "I'm not saying that I couldn't have used it in a context. But it wasn't directed at any of my players.

"It's unfortunate I used that word. I shouldn't. Nobody should. ... But you know, like I said, I'm not here to defend word by word by word what I said. I know some of the words that I'm being accused of are embellished. Did I give a speech that I hoped would get our team going? Yes.

"I think that this whole conversation has been taken out of context because when we lose, emotions are running high and, unfortunately, and obviously, some people feel some type of way."

Toler, 53, has been the Sparks' general manager since 1999. Sparks managing partner and governor Eric Holoman told Shelburne that no players have complained to the team about Toler's actions. 

Players who spoke to Shelburne did so anonymously. Numerous players said they found the comments offensive, and one player told ESPN she would not return to the franchise until the culture changes. Toler apologized if her words offended anyone but said she was simply trying to motivate the struggling team.

"I've been in sports my whole life," Toler said. "It's not about losing, it's how we're losing, when I know we have a lot more to give. So I come to the locker room and I'm trying to give us obviously a spirited speech to get everybody going, 'Hey, get up and let's get going.'

"If I offended someone, I didn't mean to offend anyone. But my point is, I was saying what I was thinking. And I have the right to do that as the GM. I've been the GM for 20 years and this is the first time something like this has occurred. Clearly, some people were offended. That wasn't the message I was going for, obviously. And that clearly is not the reason we lost Game 3. And if that was the reason, what was the reason we lost the first two? I wasn't in the locker room then."

The Sun swept the Sparks in three games to advance to the WNBA Finals. Game 3 was mired in controversy after Sparks coach Derek Fisher played star Candace Parker just 11 minutes in the loss. Some within the Sparks locker room said they believe Fisher's benching of Parker was in response to Toler's comments. Toler had called out Parker for her poor performance in Game 2.

Parker, Toler and Fisher are each expected back for the 2020 season. 

Los Angeles Sparks guard Riquna Williams was arrested and charged with burglary and aggravated assault in Pahokee, Florida on April 22, according to Olivia Hitchcock of the Palm Beach Post.

According to that report, "[Palm Beach County] Sheriff's office records indicate she forced her way into a home off McClure Road [on the evening of Dec. 6] after hitting the door with a skateboard and attacked someone in the home with whom she had been in a relationship."

The fight was reportedly broken up by a man who lived at the residence and his son, and Williams left the home and went to her car, retrieving a gun. The man told authorities that Williams pointed the gun at him and said "you'll get all 18," per police records.

Williams has remained in jail, with bail set at $20,000.

Per that report, "Williams' ex told deputies she is known to carry a gun but hadn't been violent while they were dating."

According to a report from WPTV.com, the person Williams allegedly attacked was Alkeria Davis. Williams and Davis reportedly "dated on and off for five years, and most recently broke up one month earlier," and "Davis believed Williams was jealous and became violent."

Williams, 28, has spent six seasons in the WNBA with the Tulsa Shock (2012-15) and Sparks (2016-present).