The Mystics announced they will pay Elena Delle Donne’s salary even if she sits out the entire 2020 season, according to coach and general manager Mike Thibault. The WNBA previously rejected the reigning MVP’s request for a medical exemption. Delle Donne, who suffers from Chronic Lyme Disease, disputes the WNBA’s ruling, arguing that her personal physician believe she is at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications.
Thibault told ESPN:
“The fact of the matter is the Mystics organization will never put Elena’s — or any other of our players’ — health and well-being in jeopardy at any time.