What Happened to Liz Cambage?

By Jocelyn Alano April 17, 2024 12:53

Photo by Keith Birmingham/Orange County Register/AP

Liz Cambage, a polarizing figure in the world of basketball, has been at the center of numerous controversies throughout her career.

From her contentious departure from the WNBA to her recent ejection from a game in China, Cambage's actions have consistently stirred up discussions and debates among fans and fellow athletes.

Sparks Departure and Allegations

In 2022, Cambage left the Los Angeles Sparks after 25 games, citing a "toxic situation" as the reason for her departure. She claimed that she was mistreated by her teammates and faced disrespect in the locker room.

But her departure from the Sparks was not without its own issues, as former teammates and opponents questioned the validity of her claims.

Alleged Racial Remarks and Controversial Actions

Controversy has surrounded Cambage for years, with one of the most notable incidents being the alleged racial remarks she made toward the Nigerian national team during a warm-up match before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Both Opals teammates and members of the Nigerian team alleged that Cambage called her opponents 'monkeys' and told them to 'go back to your third world country' during a break in play.

In addition, Cambage has been involved in multiple contentious incidents during games, including getting ejected from a game in China for elbowing an opponent in the head and hitting another in the face.

Her actions on and off the court have led to a significant backlash from fans and fellow athletes, with many expressing disappointment in her behavior.

WNBA Stints and Departures

Cambage's WNBA career has been marked by frequent team changes and controversies.

During an explosive interview, Cambage denied allegations that she used a racial slur toward the Nigerian national team and spoke about her departure from the Sparks.

She also discussed her contentious history with various WNBA teams, highlighting her short stints and the challenges she faced within the league.

Throughout her career, Cambage has played for multiple WNBA teams and overseas clubs, often with short tenures at each location.

Ongoing Controversies and Responses

Despite the various controversies surrounding her, Cambage has remained vocal about her experiences and perceptions within the basketball community.

She has been involved in heated conversations with coaches, criticized teammates during film sessions, and made requests that led to disagreements within teams.

Amid the ongoing controversies, Cambage has faced criticism from former teammates, opponents, and fans.

Impact on Cambage's Career

Cambage's tumultuous career has raised questions about the future of her professional basketball journey.

The repeated controversies, ejections, and contentious departures from teams have significantly impacted her reputation as a player.

Furthermore, her actions have also resulted in her being banned from playing for the Australian national team.

The combination of on-court incidents and off-court controversies has led to a significant setback in her career, with implications for her future prospects in the world of basketball.

The career of Liz Cambage has been marked by a series of controversies, from allegations of racial remarks to on-court ejections and contentious departures from teams.

Her outspoken nature and confrontational behavior have polarized opinions within the basketball community, leading to widespread discussions about sportsmanship, professionalism, and the impact of such actions on the sport.

All in all, as Cambage navigates through the aftermath of these controversies, the future of her professional basketball career remains uncertain.

The ongoing debates and discussions surrounding her actions serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by athletes in the public eye.

It remains to be seen how Liz Cambage will address and overcome the obstacles that have shaped her career thus far.