The New York Liberty have suspended the contract of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton days before the WNBA season is set to begin.
The loss is a heavy one for the team. Laney-Hamilton was a huge part of the team's championship win last season, but injured her knee while playing in Unrivaled during the WNBA offseason. The 3x3 league is covering her WNBA contract.
Laney-Hamilton suffered an acute meniscus injury in her left knee only days into Unrivaled and underwent surgery in March.
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"Our hearts break for Betnijah that she will not be able to take the court this season," Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said in a statement. "Betnijah gave us everything last season en route to becoming a WNBA champion. ... We will continue to ensure that she receives the best possible care throughout her rehabilitation process."
Kolb had previously indicated it was likely Laney-Hamilton would be out this year.