Really? The old ‘fake news’ gambit? – Deadspin

No, Liz, its not that.Image: AP

It would be nice if Liz Cambage didnt try to refute reports that she broke COVID protocols with the term fake news, but the Australian star sure did defend herself after her withdrawal from the Olympic team during its Las Vegas training camp, for which she cited mental health.

Ive been trapped in this room, with no view, with nothing for a week, Cambage said Friday, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Of course Im gonna lose my mind in here, you serious, Im seeing reports that I went out partying. Shit, I wish I did. I know some of the people in Vegas have been having a really good time this week but Ive been in here, bro. Ive been in here. The only time I left this goddamn bubble was for the All-Star Game. I dont appreciate the lies.

Despite having made a deal with Australia coach Sandy Brondello that she could leave the Australian camp to join Team WNBA against Team USA if she didnt overexert herself, Cambage did not play in the game. Instead, she was seen eating popcorn and having a good time, which, cool. She managed her minutes, as agreed.

Cambage further explained that shes had breakdowns in the Whole Foods parking lot and non-stop panic attacks about the Olympic bubble.

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The main reason I sat out of the WNBA bubble last season was my mental health, Cambage said. Like, Im not OK in a bubble. Im not OK playing in front of no fans, mentally Im escapist, if I have no escape from a situation it gives me anxiety and I panic and there is definitely no escape in Tokyo except for leaving. I would not want to do that to the team.

Cambages openness and honesty about her struggle is refreshing, and a perfect way to hit back at dingdongs like Andrew Bogut making it out like she was faking it for sympathy even if its still true that there was an incident in the Aussies scrimmage against Nigeria, and possibly that an anxiety-riddled Cambage is difficult to have as a teammate, and the controversial altercation a result of all those emotions boiling over.

Well never know the whole truth, and thats fine. Cambage is doing whats best for her, and the Australian team has moved on, too, beating Team USA on Friday in an Olympic tune-up game, 70-67.

Anytime youre on a list where its just you, Joe DiMaggio, and Brooks Robinson, youre probably doing something right.

Jake Cronenworth did something right, in an incredibly odd and specific way. Baseballs ability to have that is neat.

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Really? The old 'fake news' gambit? - Deadspin