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Skylar Diggins-Smith dribbles up the court during a game for the Phoenix Mercury. Diggins-Smith accused the organization of denying her benefits given under the WNBA’s newest collective bargaining agreement.
Photo Credit: Christian Peterson/Getty Images
Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith alleged on social media that she has not been allowed to use the team’s facilities while on maternity leave. Diggins-Smith replied to a Twitter/X user who expressed disappointment that the team did not wish her a happy birthday by telling the user that the Mercury and Diggins-Smith don’t really have any contact beyond the team paying her salary. Later, she would post that she did not have the same access to team facilities like a massage therapist, strength and conditioning, or team chefs that other players are allowed to use. When asked about it on August 3, ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream, Mercury interim head coach Nikki Blue told ESPN, “Skylar is on maternity leave right now and as we do with players on maternity leave, we give them their space,” When pressed if Diggins-Smith’s allegations were true, Blue responded: “What I’m really excited about is just tonight, like we’re focused. Want to go out there and have a good game against Atlanta.” Outside of affirming that Diggins-Smith is on paid maternity leave, the Mercury have not commented publicly on Diggins-Smith’s allegations.
Source: Black Enterprise
