Mark Smith

Former WNBA Champion Involved in Caitlin Clark Incident Gets Released

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated May 15, 2025 12:55 PM ET

In a notable training camp shake-up, the Connecticut Sun announced Thursday that veteran guard Diamond DeShields has been waived from their roster.

DeShields, a 2021 WNBA champion with the Chicago Sky, was among the most experienced players vying for a final spot on the 2025 Sun roster.

In August 2024, DeShields made headlines for a hard, shoulder-to-back foul on Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.

The play not only drew a flagrant foul upgrade but also prompted a string of hate comments directed at DeShields and leaguewide debate about player safety.

DeShields' Thursday release from the Connecticut roster marks an abrupt end to her short stint with the franchise.

Roster update: Diamond DeShields has been waived by the Connecticut Sun. pic.twitter.com/fjsGrv2REU
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) May 15, 2025

DeShields, the daughter of former MLB player Delino DeShields, entered the WNBA as a coveted third overall pick in 2018 and captured league gold alongside Sky teammates in 2021, contributing 11.3 points per game during the regular season.

After stops with the Phoenix Mercury (2022) and Dallas Wings (2023), her return to Chicago in 2024 yielded career-low marks, as she averaged just 4.5 points in 13.8 minutes per game.

Under coach Stephanie White, the Sun posted a franchise-record 28 wins in 2024 and advanced to the semifinals, defeating Indiana in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the Minnesota Lynx in five games.

Unfortunately, offseason departures of coach White and several starters left Connecticut in a full reset phase led by GM Morgan Tuck.

Tina Charles, the WNBA’s all-time rebound leader, joined training camp alongside DeShields, but now only the former of the two veterans remains on the roster.

The Sun must finalize their 12-player roster before the league-mandated deadline on Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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