‘Unbearable’ Cambage facing instant axe

Teammates are discussing the immediate dismissal of Liz Cambage from the Tokyo Olympics following multiple alleged incidents.

Australian superstar Liz Cambage’s future is in doubt following multiple alleged incidents at the team’s Las Vegas camp.

It’s understood Cambage was involved in a physical altercation during a private scrimmage against Nigeria, which resulted in heated verbal abuse.

The four-time WNBA All-Star had reportedly also broken team protocols to go out in Las Vegas, where she plays with the Aces in the WNBA, while it’s understood there is another incident being investigated by team officials.

The news was followed just hours later by Cambage’s bombshell withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health reasons for her decision to stand down.

The 29-year-old then took to Instagram on Saturday morning to call out “lies” and “fake news” in the reports surrounding her exit — while confirming new details of her physical altercation during the Nigeria game.

You can read-up on everything you need to know about the weirdest Olympics ever here.

Cambage‘s behaviour has upset Australian teammates and officials, and it’s believed she could be stood down from the Opals team for Tokyo.

ESPN reported the team is considering her “potential removal” from the squad — a decision which would see her axed on the spot.

Basketball Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee are investigating the alleged incidents, which have been confirmed by multiple sources, and have been contacted for comment.

Aussie basketball great Chris Anstey said Friday Cambage can be “unbearable” to be around as a teammate.

“At her best, Liz Cambage is one of the best couple of basketball players in the world,” he said on SEN.

“At her worst, she’s unbearable to be around as a teammate.

Liz Cambage may have played her last game for Australia.

“You kind of cross your fingers and hope a little bit with Liz.

“Clearly being in Vegas and being in COVID protocol hasn’t suited her personally.

“It’s disappointing that they can’t stay in the bubble for a short period of time because it really can impact all their teammates, and I suppose us as a basketball public back home.”

Anstey still believes Australia has a better chance of winning a medal if she plays in Tokyo.

The veteran centre didn‘t play in Thursday’s WNBA All-Star clash after receiving a bump to her hip during Opals practice.

If Cambage is ruled out for Tokyo, it would be a big blow for the Opals given she is the team’s best and most influential player.

Liz Cambage in Opals colours.

The Opals only picked a 12-player squad for the Olympics, with no reserves, and would be down to 11 if Cambage was withdrawn.

Australian team Chef de Mission, Ian Chesterman confirmed there was an investigation into the Cambage matter.

“We‘ve been informed by Basketball Australia that they’re investigating an issue,” Chesterman said.

“We have not received any further report except for that so it‘ll be a matter of them working through with Basketball Australia to see if there’s any resulting decisions that need to be made.

“I don’t know the details, I just know it’s being investigated by Basketball Australia.”

The Opals are in the house 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QvQyp0n00V

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) July 13, 2021

The outspoken star has been making headlines in recent months following a shock threat to abandon the Olympics as a result of an Olympics team photo furore.

The 29-year-old started a conversation around Australia when she took issue with the athletes chosen to represent Australia in promotional photo shoots ahead of the Games.

She told Australia to “wake the f**k up” in an explosive video which slammed the photo for a lack of diversity representing the Australian team.

Cambage had been expected to play for Australia in a Tokyo warm-up game against the USA on Saturday morning (AEST).

Cambage has previously indicated she could retire after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking last August after signing with the Southside Flyers in the WNBL, where she went on to win a championship, she admitted life after basketball was on her radar.

“I’m 29 and I’ve been a professional basketballer since I was 15, so there is more to life than chasing basketball courts,” she said.

“So, I’m pretty excited to maybe wrap up my career and finish it on a high note here in Australia.”

Following her successful Australian stint, Cambage returned to the Las Vegas Aces for the 2021 WNBA campaign.

She sat out the previous season with the Aces after receiving medical exemption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cambage, who has played 19 games for Las Vegas this season, is yet to indicate if she will hang up the sneakers after the Tokyo Olympics.