May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) during the second quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Sparks' Rickea Jackson Addresses Shocking Rumors

Originally posted on Los Angeles Sparks on SI
By Ben Geffner | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 5:35 PM ET

Los Angeles Sparks' forward Rickea Jackson returned to game action on May 27, her first appearance since entering concussion protocol on May 18 — following an injury suffered in the Sparks' home-opener against Minnesota.

The star forward was held scoreless with one rebound in 12 minutes against the Atlanta Dream last Tuesday.

Jackson hasn't played in either of the Sparks' two games since then — both losses to the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury on May 30 and June 1, respectively.

The absence was described as “personal reasons” by head coach Lynne Roberts prior to last Sunday's game, leaving many fans to speculate wild rumors.

“She’s taking personal time, and we support her," Roberts said postgame. "We’re excited to get her back when she’s ready to be back.”

With a lack of further clarification over the weekend, social media buzzed with potential reasons for the extended absence — from pregnancy rumors to a potential trade request.

Rickea Jackson has unfollowed and took the Los Angeles Sparks out of her bio on Instagram, is she going to leave L.A pic.twitter.com/8PH0hOeYWE
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) June 3, 2025

Jackson caught wind of the rumors, dispelling a majority of them online before addressing questions on it at Los Angeles' Tuesday practice.

"#Itsagirl," she captioned a X post.

#Itsagirl pic.twitter.com/sBN7WnA89i
— RJ (@iamthathooper) June 2, 2025

Jackson practiced with the Sparks on Tuesday and said she expects to play Friday against Dallas Wings, per Edwin Garcia.

"Personal time is needed," Jackson told the media. "I'm pregnant apparently ... I've never followed the team I play for, since AAU ... I like to follow real people, but rumors are rumors.

"Personal time is personal time," she continued. "If my head [doesn't] feel right, I need personal time."

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Sparks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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