For the first time in a long time, Layshia Clarendon enjoyed their summer. Hanging on the boat with friends, savoring time with their wife and child, delighting in days on the lake—Clarendon basked in all Oakland had to offer. It’s a luxury she hadn’t indulged in since her college days at Cal. Clarendon’s summer of rest and relaxation, however, came at a cost: They were waived from the Lynx in May, ending their 2022 WNBA season early. The league veteran admittedly was devastated and needed a break from basketball to regroup. (Clarendon alternately uses she, he and they pronouns.)
“I have a lot of gratitude for what I gained from a lot of that loss,” Clarendon says, reflecting on the last year.
Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve cited Clarendon’s health in her reasoning for cutting the guard, alluding to a lingering injury. Clarendon reveals she was surprised by Reeve’s public comments, as she felt healthy and ready to compete—even going so far as to contact the team doctor for a copy of her MRI to confirm she wasn’t missing anything. Clarendon addressed the confusion in a tweet, writing, “I’ve gotten a few media requests for comments on being waived and my injury. I have no comments other than I am 100% cleared to play and practice. I’m feeling strong and ready to play!”
