It didn’t take long for news to drop that Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne’s medical exemption reviewed by the WNBA’s independent panel of doctors was denied for the 2020 season. In the days since, Elena has revealed more about her Lyme Disease diagnosis which resulted in her exemption request.
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
In a recently released Players’ Tribune article, Elena shared that she takes 64 pills a day. “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. Longterm, taking that much medicine on that regular of a regimen is just straight-up bad for you.”
The league’s refusal to allow Elena to opt-out initially meant that she would have to play or not get paid. However, Coach Thibault cleared the air and let it be known that the Mystics had nothing to do with the league’s decision.
Coach Thibault made a statement about the #WNBA ‘s decision about Elena Delle Donne. He said the #Mystics had no say about the panel’s decision and Elena’s long-term health is important to the organization. pic.twitter.com/TUwN9yXdrV
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) July 15, 2020
He also noted that despite their decision, the Mystics will keep Elena on the roster as they planned to, she will get paid, and continue to rehab her back injury in D.C. The team is not putting pressure on her to play this year.
Coach Thibault said Elena has his full support and there is no rush for her to get back. Also mentioned she will remain on the roster and still get paid. #Mystics #WNBA pic.twitter.com/0igJtPrykI
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) July 15, 2020
Ultimately, Elena has a four-year contract with the Mystics. The organization has the power to keep her long-term health in mind. So regardless of the WNBA’s approach, the Mystics are going to do the right thing when it comes to the best player they have on their roster.