Connecticut Sun All-Star center Jonquel Jones said she will not play in the 2020 WNBA season due to COVID-19 concerns.
"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. "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."
League officials announced plans last week to play a shortened regular season and traditional playoff schedule at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Games will be played without fans due to the pandemic.
Sun forward Brionna Jones said she still plans to play, despite a surge in coronavirus cases in Florida.
"They've put in every precaution that needed to be put to keep us safe," Brionna Jones said in a call Tuesday with reporters. "I want to give it a full try before I decide that it's not something that can be done. You could go down there, and everything could work out great."
Even without Jonquel Jones, Sun guard Bria Holmes said the team remains focused.
"This season is all over the place," Holmes said. "So we're just going down there, and be thankful that we're still able to play, and hope that it comes out the best."
Led by Jonquel Jones, the Sun made their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2005 last season, but fell to the Washington Mystics in a exciting five-game series.
Sun Head Coach Curt Miller said the team stands by Jones's decision to sit out this year. They will report for training camp in Florida next month, with games tipping off as soon as July 24.
