Chengdu, China – Australian basketball player Liz Cambage is at the center of controversy once again after being ejected from a game in China over the weekend. Cambage, who recently joined the Sichuan Yuanda women’s team in Chengdu on a lucrative three-month contract worth over $1 million, found herself in hot water following a series of flagrant fouls during a match.
The incident occurred during game two of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association finals between Sichuan and Inner Mongolia, where Cambage was involved in physical altercations with opposing players. She was first seen striking an opponent in the face and neck, causing her to tumble to the floor. Shortly after, Cambage elbowed another player from Inner Mongolia in the face during a rebound attempt, leading to her ejection from the game.
Despite being removed from the court, Cambage demanded officials review replay footage before making a dramatic exit. The 32-year-old player confronted a referee, skipped along the baseline, and acknowledged the crowd before exiting down the tunnel. Following her removal, Cambage’s Sichuan team suffered a 96-85 defeat as Inner Mongolia leveled the series at 1-1.
The incidents involving Cambage prompted widespread criticism, with commentators and fans condemning her behavior on social media platforms. The basketball player’s tumultuous career has been marked by controversies, including being dropped from the Australian national team ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to alleged inappropriate remarks directed at Nigerian players during a pre-Olympics scrimmage.
Cambage, who has since distanced herself from the Australian team, attempted to switch her international allegiance to Nigeria but faced hurdles in the process. Prior to her stint in China, Cambage had left the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks in 2022, leading to a hiatus in her professional basketball career. She recently signed with Israel-based club Maccabi Bnot Ashdod, showcasing her versatility and global appeal in the sport.
The Australian team, known as the Opals, is preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics with the goal of redeeming themselves after a disappointing performance in Tokyo. As Cambage navigates through the ups and downs of her career, her actions and decisions continue to spark debates and discussions within the basketball community.