Sue Bird addressed Natasha Cloud’s free agency situation in a post shared on the Instagram account @atouchmore, founded by Bird and Megan Rapinoe.
Cloud, a 10-year veteran guard who averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game for the New York Liberty last season, hasn’t found a new team this summer. Social media speculation suggests that Cloud is being “blackballed” by the league.
Bird addressed the situation on Saturday, saying that Cloud being unsigned goes against the WNBA’s identity.
“I personally don’t want to live in a world where Natasha Cloud is being punished for being outspoken,” Sue Bird said. “It is not what our league has been built on. In fact, being outspoken is part of the fabric of our league. Actually, Tash is a great example of that. It’s what connects us to our fan base. … For me, that will be the antithesis of the WNBA identity for Tash (Natasha) to be blackballed in this way.”
The Athletic’s Annie Costabile reported on April 26, writing that league sources had negated claims of Cloud being blackballed.
“Multiple sources who work in the league have negated social media rumors that Cloud is being blackballed in the league because of her activism,” Costabile wrote. “Decisions for some teams were made quickly when the signing period opened, which could have taken potential opportunities off the table for Cloud before she was fully aware of her standing in New York’s plans.”
Natasha Cloud addresses her free agency situation on social media
Cloud shared a message on Threads on April 26, writing that her silence on the situation has been “intentional.”
“I have yet to speak. That’s intentional & my power. I’ve just worked. No sulking, no whining. Work & I will continue to work as I always have. Proving myself right year after year, after year. (11) to be exact. I know who I am. I know my value/worth. & ain’t nothing traditional,” she wrote.
Cloud recently sparked speculation after sharing a post on social media from Toronto, Canada. Fans speculated that the location could suggest ongoing talks with the Toronto Tempo. However, no sources have reported interest between the parties.
As Costabile reported on April 26, several teams have expressed interest in the three-time All-Defensive guard.
Read More: Unsigned Free Agent Natasha Cloud Drops Cryptic Message From Toronto Amid Blackball Rumors
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