Photos from WNBA.com (L-R, Swoopes, Azzi, Holdsclaw make waves) The Chamique-Darsch situation was probably blown out of proportion by fans... right? But wait, the drama continues. "Things are not okay," Darsch said. "We'll see how they develop. I didn't appreciate her comment in the paper. I'm disappointed she chose to air that in the paper." The two met and discussed the situation, but apparently nothing came out of it. "I feel what I feel," Holdsclaw said. "I just have to live by it and die by it. I don't think it's something that will get better, but as a professional I can't worry about it. I'll just have to overcome it. I definitely want to be in a situation that I'm comfortable in, and that's something I'll just have to work toward." Their relations in the game was strained to say the least. The Mique had her worst game of the season and avoided Darsch as much as possible, heading directly for the end of the bench and otherwise avoiding eye contact. She chose instead to get her advice from the Mystics assistant coach. At one point Darsch yelled at Holdsclaw, "I don't care, get there! Once in a while, get there," after Holdsclaw was sent to the bench after letting a Shock player free for a layup. Mystics veteran teammate Vicky Bullett had this to say on the situation. "Players need to grow up. People make excuses. There's no excuse for not getting the job done. You know you're wrong--you've been in the league for one or two or three years. Hey, there's no excuses. Comments like [Holdsclaw's] don't help but bring the team down."
Reports say that WNBA corporate sponsorship levels have risen from around 20 million in 1997 to over 40 million this season. But approximately 50 players in the league made $50,000 or under this past season whereas about 12 make more than $70,000. While many players are disgruntled, President Val Ackerman insists the league is progressing steadily and must remain cautious as it is still losing money. She says comparisons to the NBA are unfair (Highest paid players: Shaquille O'Neal makes about $17.4 mil a season while Cynthia Cooper makes $75,798 without endorsements). While these comparisons are unfair, the difference is still astounding. Some players have taken action on the issue, and its not just any players were talking about. The league has already lost many star players over money. Former Cleveland Rocker star Isabelle Fijalkowski rejected a $70,000 dollar offer and returned to better pay in Europe, and another league star, Cindy Brown, followed suit. In Detroit, Jennifer Azzi made about $44,000. She was very vocal about league issues and quit briefly when the league offered her only a slight raise before she decided to return after a trade to the Utah Starzz. Finally Andrea Congreaves, insulted by a $32,500 offer from the league, went back to Europe and was outspoken and critical about the league. "I wouldn't sign now if their offer was six digits," she said. While these players certainly had a major impact, they have been replaced by former ABL and college stars. But are marquee players really following suit? Brandy Reed almost jumped ship to Europe after she was offered just $35,000 this season. She decided to stay and has shaped herself into a MVP candidate, but at what price? Most prominent is Lisa Leslie. Her salary is currently $72,188 though endorsement deals and other such things round it out over a million. But her agent has said she will consider all options (ie Europe) when her contract expires after this season. He's pushing to make Lisa the highest paid player. While the players listen to the league's concerns, they grow frustrated. They say they've heard it for the last 4 years, and wonder when enough is enough. Good thing the WNBA has a nice long off season to work out the impending tensions, can ya dig it? :o) 
THE BIG CHILL
MONEY TALKS
NATIONAL NEWS
STING TRADE?
Rumors have run rampant that the Charlotte Sting are looking to deal forward Tracy Reid. Reid, a former Rookie of the Year in the WNBA, has been plagued by injuries during her seasons with the Sting. A former star a Carolina, she has struggled at times this season as has most of the Sting's roster. No news on who exactly the Sting are looking for in return.
AZZI'S RETURN
Jennifer Azzi is supposed to return to action on July 7th, the date her Utah Starzz are facing her former team the Detroit Shock. Azzi has had a turbulent season start. For a while her future with the league was uncertain and at one point Azzi even quit over her contract. But she found a new home with the surprising Utah Starzz and was off to a nice start before injuring her hand and getting placed on the injured list. Azzi hopes to show the Shock the Star she has become in their July 7th matchup.
COACH NEEDS MYSTICAL POWERS
Fans have long been complaining about how coach Nancy Darsch runs the Washington Mystics. But do her players feel the same way? Usually reserved forward Chamique Holdsclaw let her frustration through after a loss to the Monarchs where Holdsclaw spent a crucial stretch on the bench. According to Darsch, Holdsclaw sat simply because she had missed practice over an illness and had not been feeling well. Holdsclaw saw things differently. “I got benched," she said. "I feel insulted. I think I’ve proven myself over and over again in clutch situations. I don’t play for the coaches, I play for my teammates. I think this team plays for each other. I think we’ll win basketball games with [Darsch] but I don’t think we’ll ever be a great team. If we do, it will be because of us.” Holdsclaw has been much more vocal this season, making an earlier statement that if the Mystics didn't make the playoffs, major change would be necessary.
RAYS OF EXCITEMENT
Ray Allen dropped by for a little chat with Sports Illustrated for Women recently. When asked who he thought the sexiest female athlete was, Allen was quick to go with Nikki McCray. He's not the only one; McCray is a constant face in advertisements and has often been asked about a modeling career. McCray took a small step in following Lisa Leslie's supermodel footsteps when she posed for SI's Swimsuit Edition with her husband (see Nikki's player page if your interest has peeked :) Leslie recently also did the same, appearing on the women's swimsuit edition cover with Shaquille O'Neal.
CELEBRITY FANS
Here's a list of some famous faces seen at games around the league: Shaquille O'Neal, Rosie O'Donnell, Quincy Lewis, Kevin Garnett, Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson... If you happen to spot a familiar face in the crowd, lending their support to the WNBA, let us know by sending an e-mail to usa_5@hotmail.com
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