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Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mercury star reveals exile from team while on maternity leave

By Colum Dell | Last updated 8/3/23

Phoenix Mercury point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who hasn't played this season since recently having her second child, called out the organization on Thursday for mistreatment while on maternity leave.

The six-time WNBA All-Star celebrated her 33rd birthday on Wednesday, but when one fan noticed that the organization's social media team hadn't created a post wishing her well, Diggins-Smith opened up about her troubling relationship with the franchise.

In a series of posts on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Diggins-Smith revealed that Phoenix has barred her from using its practice facility since taking maternity leave.

"They’re not gonna acknowledge me this year and it’s ok guys. We’re not affiliated unless it’s the checks….per management," Diggins-Smith wrote. "I can’t even use the practice facility or any resources. But I still love the X-Factor!!"

They’re not gonna acknowledge me this year and it’s ok guys. We’re not affiliated unless it’s the checks….per management. I can’t even use the practice facility or any resources. But I still love the X-Factor!! https://t.co/lcDb05fVVg
— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) August 3, 2023

When another fan expressed disbelief that Phoenix wouldn't let Diggins-Smith use the practice facility, the guard revealed there are several other resources that the team is denying her access to.

"Sadly, no…or any massage therapists, chiropractor, chefs, strength and conditioning, nutritionist accessibility, etc… [that] EVERY other player has access to," Diggins-Smith admitted. "However I’m still down 48lbs on my own and I’m feeling great!"

Sadly, no…or any massage therapists, chiropractor, chefs, strength and conditioning, nutritionist accessibility, etc… they EVERY other player has access to.
However I’m still down 48lbs on my own and I’m feeling great! https://t.co/rRkJpIxysF
— Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) August 3, 2023

After declaring that the organization began treating her differently when complications of her pregnancy prevented her from playing, Diggins-Smith says she's "fine" being absent from the team.

"But I’m fine with being distanced….bc now I can’t possibly be the villain anymore," she wrote.

Under the current WNBA CBA, players are guaranteed full pay and medical benefits throughout maternity leave until their contract ends or three months after childbirth. Although it's worth noting that teams have control over bonuses and non-salary perks while players are on leave.

Unfortunately, Diggins-Smith's situation isn't unprecedented for WNBA players. In May, Las Vegas Aces HC Becky Hammon received a two-game suspension for violating league and team Respect in the Workplace policies for comments allegedly made to forward Dearica Hamby during her pregnancy. Additionally, the Aces were stripped of their first-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Hamby, a two-time Sixth Woman of the Year Award winner, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January. Once the deal was agreed upon, she took to Instagram, claiming Las Vegas "lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against" her because of her pregnancy.

At this point, it wouldn't be surprising if Diggins-Smith, an unrestricted free agent after this season, is playing in another uniform the next time she steps onto the court.

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