The world is waiting for the return of the WNBA and the season is set to start July 25th. With the start of the WNBA approaching the world is waiting to see what Mystics’ forward Elena Delle Donne is going to do.
Today Delle Donne wrote a heartfelt piece in The Players Tribune. The 2019 WNBA champion opened up regarding her situation with her health, the WNBA, and the bubble.
Monday night, a panel of physicians denied her request to opt-out of the 2020 season. Due to COVID-19 players had the opportunity to opt-out of the season.
WNBA: Delle Donne & The Players Tribune
Delle Donne provided documentation from her physician and the Mystics team doctor which provided support to her request. However, the panel denied it and deemed that her Lyme Disease would not put her at risk.
“64 pills: That’s 25 before breakfast, another 20 after breakfast, another 10 before dinner, and another 9 before bed. I take 64 pills a day, and I feel like it’s slowly killing me. Or if it’s not killing me, directly, then I at least know one thing for sure: It’s really bad for me, said Delle Donne.”
Many of you know about my ongoing battle with Lyme Disease, and a compromised immune system. For now I'm following protocol and waiting for a risk assessment from the league medical panel. Missing my teammates but health and safety are the priority 🙏 https://t.co/3oChtiaqXJ
— Elena Delle Donne (@De11eDonne) July 8, 2020
Obviously taking pills isn’t the easiest thing to do no matter who you are. Imagine a professional athlete having to down 64 pills a day and maintaining a high level of play on the court.
The Delaware product also has to take care of her older sister Lizzie Delle Donne. Lizzie has Cerebral Palsy and Autism. EDD is more than just a WNBA player. Every day brings new challenges and routines and the fact that a panel of physicians still declined her opt-out request speaks volumes.
Last season the 6-foot-5 forward played in the WNBA finals with three herniated discs in her spine (yes she played with a fractured spine). Delle Donne has given her heart and soul to the league since being drafted second overall in 2013.
The WNBA Is More than Basketball
Clearly, EDD is a staple in the WNBA and does not need to prove herself to anyone. It’s clear that she is hurt by the decision that was made by the panel of physicians. Quite frankly who could blame her?
“I’ve been told time and time again over the years that my condition makes me immunocompromised — that part of what Lyme does is it debilitates my immune system. I’ve had a common cold that sent my immune system spiraling into a serious relapse, said Delle Donne.”
Although the panel of physicians denied EDD’s request it’s clear that her doctors felt different. The WNBA is a league that allows women to voice their concerns.
However, in this instance, the W has failed because their superstar and arguably the leagues face feels voiceless. “A few days later, the league’s panel of doctors — without ever once speaking to me or to either of my doctors — informed me that they were denying my request for a health exemption, said Delle Donne.”
Even though there are differences in opinion the fact of the matter is that EDD played with a fractured spine. She believes in the WNBA and want’s to be a factor.
EDD earned the right of passage earlier in her career honestly. But she cemented it last season by being the MVP and winning a title. Even if she didn’t win a title, she is still a human being who continues to uplift people and the WNBA.
The Reasons
The 2019 MVP wrote her letter in The Players Tribune for three reasons:
- Speak on Lyme Disease
- State that she has to decide between risking her life or not being able to support her family
- There is so much in the world that we do not know
Ultimately Delle Donne is torn on making a decision and feels that the WNBA is not listening. Everyone should be able to have their voice heard.
The league I've given my blood, sweat and tears to has basically told me that my doctors are wrong and I'm wrong for believing them. So I wrote this. https://t.co/R9ABh9v73n
— Elena Delle Donne (@De11eDonne) July 15, 2020
It’s not like EDD is looking for a handout. She is just taking her life and safety into consideration. The fact that she was told her condition won’t be comprised by COVID-19 is ridiculous.
As of now, the 2019 MVP is still weighing out her options. Needless to say, the WNBA needs to reconsider their decision and allow EDD to opt-out and receive her salary.
