Chengdu, China – Australian basketball star Liz Cambage made headlines once again over the weekend as she was ejected from a game in China while playing for the Sichuan Yuanda women’s team. This incident marked the latest controversy in Cambage’s career, which has been marred by various on-court altercations and scandals.
Cambage, who recently signed a lucrative deal with the Sichuan Yuanda team, has been making waves in the Chinese basketball league, reportedly earning over $1 million for her three-month stint. Her salary far surpasses the WNBA’s Supermax contracts, which are capped at $234,936 per season.
During a game against Inner Mongolia in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association finals, Cambage was involved in two flagrant fouls that resulted in her ejection from the game. The first incident involved her striking an opposition player in the face and neck, while the second saw her elbowing another player in the face during a rebound.
The dramatic exit from the court saw Cambage confront a referee, skip along the baseline, and bow to the crowd before leaving. Despite her actions, Cambage maintained that officials review the replay footage. Her team, Sichuan, ultimately lost the game 96-85, leveling the series at 1-1.
The incidents involving Cambage garnered widespread condemnation, with many criticizing her behavior as “clownish” and unprofessional. This latest controversy comes after Cambage’s tumultuous exit from the Australian national team and failed attempt to represent Nigeria in international competition.
Following her expulsion from the Australian team ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, Cambage has distanced herself from representing Australia again. Her career took a hit when she abruptly departed from the WNBA and joined an Israel-based team before moving to China.
While Cambage’s talent on the court is undeniable, her behavior and controversies have overshadowed her success in the sport. As she navigates through these challenging times, it remains to be seen how this latest incident will impact her career and future opportunities in the basketball world.