The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Sun’s Jones to skip season amid virus concerns
The Connecticut Sun will be without one of its cornerstone players when the WNBA season tips off next month in Florida.
All-Star center Jonquel Jones announced Monday that she will sit out the 2020 campaign due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After careful thought and consideration I’ve decided to forego the upcoming WNBA season and use this time to focus on personal, social, and familial growth,” Jones said in a statement released by the team. “This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made but the resurgence and unknown aspects of COVID-19 have raised serious health concerns that I do not feel comfortable competing in. I’d like to thank the Connecticut Sun organization, my teammates and fans for their unwavering support and understanding.
“While I won’t be competing this year I’m looking forward to lacing up with my teammates in 2021 and continuing the pursuit for a WNBA championship. Wishing the entire league and everyone involved a healthy and enjoyable season. Go Sun!”
The WNBA plans to play an abbreviated 22-game season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., beginning as soon as July 24, with the playoffs concluding in October. Players have until Thursday to tell their teams whether they plan to participate.
The 6-foot-6 Jones was an AllStar last season and helped lead the Sun to the WNBA Finals, where they lost in five games to Washington. Jones averaged 14.6 points and led the league in rebounds (330) and blocks (68). She also made her first All-Defensive team and was All-WNBA Second Team.
Jones, who has been living in
the Bahamas since returning from playing overseas, re-signed with Connecticut this offseason. The team made other moves, trading for DeWanna Bonner, Briann January and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, to take another run at the Finals.
Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller said in a team statement that he fully supports Jones’ decision not to play.
“We recognize the amount of unique challenges, sacrifices, and unknowns this season presents, and from the top down, there is an unwavering commitment to support each player’s respective decision,” Miller said. “We look forward to having JJ back leading us next summer.”
Sun vice president Amber Cox echoed Miller’s sentiment in an email to Hearst Connecticut Media, saying Jones is “an important part of our franchise and will be missed this season.”
With cases surging in Florida — 2,926 additional cases were announced Monday, bringing the state’s total over 100,000 since the pandemic began — it’s expected that other players will follow Jones’ decision to opt out. The Atlanta Dream’s Renee Montgomery — a UConn alum — announced last week that she is sitting out to focus on social justice initiatives.