Former player Walker tests positive for COVID-19, is asymptomatic
Former Husky Megan Walker did not make the trip to the WNBA bubble in Bradenton, Fla., after testing positive for COVID-19, the New York Liberty announced Friday.
Walker, on the cusp of her rookie season, is asymptomatic and currently in self-isolation under the care of team physicians, the team said.
“The Liberty are in frequent communication with Megan and are optimistic that she will eventually join the team at IMG Academy and compete in the 2020 WNBA season when it is safe for her to do so,” the team said in a statement. “The safety and health of our players and staff is of the highest priority to the organization and the team is doing everything within its power to ensure that Megan receives the best care possible.”
Walker, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft and the Liberty’s second selection after No. 1 overall pick Sabrina Ionescu, was poised to carve out a fairly substantial role on a team with seven rookies. The Liberty also announced earlier in the week that Asia Durr, last year’s No. 2 pick out of Louisville, will be skipping the season as she continues to recover from the coronavirus.
Seven players tested positive for the virus before traveling to Florida, the WNBA said Monday. Athletes and staff in the bubble will undergo daily testing for the next two weeks after which testing will be conducted on a regular basis.
Per ESPN’s Mechelle Voepel, if a player such as Walker tests positive prior to travel, she must follow extensive Centers for Disease Control protocol, including home isolation and two negative tests, prior to joining the team in Florida.
Former Huskies Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Renee Montgomery (Atlanta Dream) and Tiffany Hayes (Atlanta Dream) have all announced they are opting out of the season, while Tina Charles (Washington Mystics) is undergoing the WNBA player medical evaluation protocol and did not travel to Florida.