Breanna Stewart chastises WNBA's flight policy after she, Epiphanny Prince land in COVID protocols

Jason Owens

The Seattle Storm placed two players in the WNBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols on Wednesday, prompting renewed criticism of the league's policy mandating commercial flights from one of the league's most prominent players.

The Storm announced that three-time All-Star and 2018 league MVP Breanna Stewart and backup guard Epiphanny Prince would miss Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Mercury in protocols. It wasn't immediately clear if Stewart and Prince tested positive or were considered close contacts. It's also not clear how long they'll be sidelined.

Stewart and Prince are the second and third WNBA players to enter COVID-19 protocols since the start of the season on Friday. Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud landed in protocols on Tuesday. It's also not clear whether or not she tested positive for COVID-19.

EVERETT, WASHINGTON - MAY 15: Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm looks on during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 15, 2021 in Everett, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Breanna Stewart's not the first player to link the league's flight policy to her placement in protocols. (Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Abbie Parr via Getty Images)

Cloud criticized the league's travel policy mandating commercial flights after she landed in protocols, insinuating that she was exposed to the coronavirus while traveling.

"Shoutout to the @WNBA for flying us commercial during a pandemic. (And no mask mandates)," Cloud wrote on Twitter.

Stewart likewise criticized the use of commercial flights on Wednesday shortly after the Storm announced her placement in protocols.

The use of charter flights is banned in the WNBA as part of the league's collective bargaining agreement. Since not all franchises have the budget to charter flights, doing so is considered a competitive advantage.

The Storm opened their season at home against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday before traveling to face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday and for Wednesday's road game against the Mercury.

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