“WNBA Player Riquna Williams Barred from Team After Arrest on Domestic Violence Charges”

WNBA Player Riquna Williams Barred from Las Vegas Aces After Arrest on Domestic Violence Charges

Las Vegas Aces player Riquna Williams has been banned from the team following her arrest on felony domestic violence charges involving her wife, as reported by the Associated Press.

Williams, a veteran and member of last year’s championship-winning Aces, was released from jail without bail, but has been ordered to have no contact with her alleged victim and must comply with alcohol monitoring until her court appearance on August 2.

The Aces issued a statement addressing the situation and stating that Williams is “precluded from participating in team activities.” The team expressed their condemnation of domestic violence and extended their thoughts to those involved.

The WNBA also released a statement, stating that they are currently gathering more information.

Williams faces multiple felony charges, including domestic battery by strangulation, coercion with the threat or use of physical force, and assault with use of a weapon. In addition, she faces several misdemeanor domestic battery charges.

Williams, also known as “Bay Bay,” played a crucial role as a shooting guard for the Aces, averaging 6.7 points per game last season. However, she has been sidelined for the current season due to a back injury.

The incident took place at a home in the Southern Highlands enclave in Las Vegas, where Williams and her wife allegedly argued about ending their four-year relationship. The police report detailed Williams using her hands to choke her partner and wielding a heavy candle and metal stand to prevent her from leaving the bedroom.

Williams has previously faced league discipline in 2019, receiving a 10-game suspension without pay while playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, following an arrest on domestic battery charges. The league took into account the nature and seriousness of the allegations, including the involvement of a gun.

Williams, who played for the University of Miami before being drafted by the Tulsa Shock in 2012, has no prior criminal convictions. She has also played professionally overseas.

Further updates on this case are awaited.

Associated Press sports writer Mark Anderson in Las Vegas contributed to this report.