Washington Mystics star guard Natasha Cloud has opted out of playing the 2020 WNBA season. Instead, she will continue the fight of social reform. Cloud made the announcement via her Instagram account.
The Mystics are supporting Cloud’s decision, general manager and head coach Mike Thibault said in a statement.
“We respect and support Natasha’s decision to prioritize her life and goals. Her commitment to social justice issues is of utmost importance to her and, therefore, to the Mystics organization. We will continue to be partners with her and all of our players on their commitment to social justice reform as we go forward into this season and beyond.”
Cloud has been a pillar in the community since being drafted in the second round by the Mystics in 2015. She’s been in the forefront on a number of topics. But none bigger than her commitment to social justice.
Following the death of George Floyd, Cloud penned an essay “Your Silence is a Knee on My Neck” calling out White Americans who remain silent as racism and the killing of unarmed black people by law enforcement continues in the country.
Cloud participated in protests that ensued across the nation stemming from Floyd’s death. Last Friday she helped lead the Mystics and Washington Wizards’ “We Stand Together” march.
Cloud recently became the first WNBA player to sign a shoe endorsement deal with Converse largely due to her outspokenness as well as her game on the court.
The initial start of the WNBA season in May was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league is set to have a 22-game abbreviated season at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, starting in July.
Last year, Cloud had her best season of her five-year career in Washington. She averaged 9.0 points and 5.6 assists helping the Mystics claim their first WNBA championship.
Cloud becomes the second WNBA player to forgo the season to continue pushing for social reform. Atlanta Dream star Renee Montgomery announced she is opting out of the season last Thursday.
