Chicago Sky Suspends Deanna Jackson
April 27, 2007 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Chicago Sky News Release
CHICAGO, April 27, 2007 - The Chicago Sky has suspended Deanna Jackson indefinitely for striking opposing player Ina Gurevich at the end of a playoff game in Israel on Wednesday.
"We spoke with Deanna's agent yesterday, who confirmed that she struck Gurevich after a game," said team owner Michael Alter. "We are shocked and embarrassed by this incident, especially since it is completely out of character for Deanna. But it has no place in the WNBA or the Chicago Sky. We have suspended Deanna from the team indefinitely, pending a further investigation."
The five-year WNBA veteran was set to join training camp and begin her second season with the Chicago Sky. Jackson was selected eighth overall by the Cleveland Rockers in the 2002 WNBA draft. She was selected by the Indiana Fever in the 2004 Rockers dispersal draft and the Sky acquired her in the 2005 expansion draft.
Jackson has played in Israel in the WNBA off-season for two years. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Jackson "has been one of the league's calmest and fairest players. She rarely gets angry either on or off the court, and has even told referees about mistakes they may have made in her favor." Jackson issued a public apology. She is reportedly traveling back to the United States from Israel over the weekend.
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