Sparks star unfollows team on social media, misses games for "personal time"

Stephanie Kaloi

Sparks star unfollows team on social media, misses games for "personal time" image

Los Angeles Sparks hooper Rickea Jackson has been missing in action for several games. She initially missed two games for the team after being placed on concussion watch, and missed a third for "personal reasons."

More: Is Rickea Jackson dating James Pearce Jr.? Explaining the NFL Draft 'doppelganger' girlfriend cameo

The team's Coach Roberts spoke to reporters after Jackson didn't play in the team's June 6 game. “Rickea is a big part of our organization and our team,” Roberts said. “She’s taking personal time, and we support her. We’re excited to get her back when she’s ready to be back.”

The comments kicked off a lot of discussion online, where fans speculated Jackson could be pregnant. She swiftly shot down that theory by posting a photo of herself that clearly indicated she is not — but then fans noticed she no longer follows the team on social media and no longer mentions the team in her bio.

Jackson and the Sparks have not commented on what seems to be an evolving situation, but unfollowing the team certainly speaks volumes. At this point in the season it's unclear who could pick up Jackson if she's departing the team, or if that's even something that Jackson wants.

Stephanie Kaloi

Stephanie is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Her journalism career began entirely too long ago and is still her favorite thing to do. She covers women's sports (primarily basketball) and loves writing lengthy reports for no reason about exactly how each WNBA team will and will not succeed in any given season.