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College basketball standout Sedona Prince experienced an unexpected outcome at Monday’s WNBA Draft in New York, going unselected amidst ongoing domestic violence and sexual assault allegations. This development raises questions about her future in professional basketball and the impact of off-court issues on athletes’ careers.
WNBA Draft Snub for College Star Sedona Prince
Sedona Prince, a prominent figure in college basketball, was notably absent from the picks during Monday’s WNBA Draft. Despite her talent and visibility, teams apparently hesitated, leaving her undrafted as the league’s newest players were chosen.
Allegations of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
The backdrop to Prince’s draft experience is a series of serious allegations. In January, police reports reveal that Prince and a former partner accused each other of assault. While investigations ensued, neither individual faced charges, according to reports from FrontOfficeSports.com.
Adding to these concerns, another past partner made claims in 2024 alleging assault by Prince during a trip to Mexico. These accusations have circulated publicly, influencing perceptions surrounding the athlete.
Lawsuit and Legal Scrutiny
Legal challenges have further complicated Prince’s situation. A lawsuit filed in Texas accused her of sexual assault, alleging she forcibly placed a Jane Doe’s hand inside her pants. Although this particular lawsuit was later withdrawn, it contributed to the negative attention surrounding Prince.
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Prince Maintains Innocence; Teams Express Wariness
Sedona Prince has consistently asserted her innocence in the face of these allegations, emphasizing the absence of any formal charges. However, during Saturday’s draft coverage, ESPN indicated that WNBA teams remained apprehensive about selecting the 24-year-old player, suggesting that the allegations have had a tangible impact on her professional prospects.
In response to ESPN’s reporting, Prince’s attorney, A. Boone Almanza, issued a statement defending her client.
Attorney’s Response to Draft Concerns
‘Sedona has not been formally accused of any crime, nor has she been found guilty of any misconduct,’ Almanza stated to ESPN. He further argued that Prince has been unfairly ‘convicted on social media’ by individuals seeking personal gain or settling scores. Almanza downplayed any missteps as typical of ‘young people in their early dating life,’ attributing negative publicity to Prince’s presence on TikTok.
DailyMail.com has sought additional comments from Almanza regarding the matter.
Activism and Advocacy: Prince’s Public Profile
Beyond the recent controversy, Prince has garnered significant attention for her social media advocacy. Notably, in 2021, she used her platform to highlight gender disparities at the NCAA Tournament, raising crucial questions about equity in college sports.
Her viral video during the 2021 NCAA Tournament bubble exposed stark contrasts in the treatment of men’s and women’s teams. This post spurred an NCAA-commissioned review of gender equity, leading to changes such as the broader use of “March Madness” branding and financial compensation for women’s programs participating in the tournament.
Leading Role in NCAA Antitrust Lawsuit
Prince has also played a prominent role as a lead plaintiff in a landmark antitrust lawsuit challenging NCAA regulations. This legal action aims to secure financial benefits for college athletes, marking her as a key figure in advocating for athletes’ rights.
She attended a court hearing on April 7 in Oakland, California, concerning the proposed House settlement, a significant development in the ongoing legal battle with the NCAA.
College Career and Future Prospects
After beginning her college career at Oregon in 2019, Prince transferred to TCU in May 2022 for her final two seasons. Her basketball achievements include an honorable mention as an AP All-American. Despite these accolades, she was not among the select invitees for the WNBA Draft held at The Shed.
The immediate future for Prince remains uncertain. The question now is whether a WNBA team will offer her a tryout opportunity, or if pursuing international playing opportunities represents her most viable path forward.
On-Court Performance at TCU
During her time at TCU, Prince demonstrated significant on-court contributions. As a center, the Liberty Hill, Texas native averaged 17.2 points per game in her final season, starting in every game she played at TCU (58 games). Across her five college seasons, she started in 86 out of 108 games, showcasing her consistent presence and impact on the court.