Liz Cambage Opals video: Star defends brutal ‘unintentional foul’ on Instagram

Liz Cambage has finally broken her silence over News Corp’s exclusive report into an ugly series of events at a pre-Olympic camp – but her version differs from the evidence.

Liz Cambage clearly still thinks she is the victim.

Cambage finally broke her silence after News Corp’s special investigation into the pre-Olympic scrimmage with Nigeria that ended her Opals career and left her an outcast of Australian basketball.

But, as expected, her version of events differs largely from the video and supporting evidence of multiple witnesses from both teams.

Witnesses who claimed not only did Cambage instigate the five minutes of mayhem that left a Nigerian defender with a deep gash to her neck, but inflamed the situation with racist comments such as “monkey” and “go back to your third world country”.

Cambage described the elbow as simply an “unintentional foul”, however the footage shows an intentional blow to Victoria Macaulay that left a deep gash and sparked the wild scenes that followed.

Liz Cambage has responded to the damning investigation.

Following a timeout Cambage returned to the court and according to witnesses the investigation spoke to she slapped a Nigerian player in the face who then retaliated by striking the Opals centre.

Multiple witnesses and respected Australian basketball figures like Andrew Gaze have since spoken out about the language and behaviour that followed.

Basketball fans worldwide have condemned Cambage’s behaviour after the News Corp investigation was revealed on Sunday morning, jumping on her previous claims “the truth will come out”.

Now, it seems, her version differs wildly from the reality of several players at the private scrimmage.

“The incident that took place during the pre-Olympic scrimmage with the Nigerian team was handled privately, almost a year ago,” Cambage wrote on Instagram, in a post that had comments blocked.

“I am very disappointed and hurt by the events and accusations that have unfolded in the Australian media. The recount of what took place is inaccurate and misleading.

“I did not use the racial slur towards the Nigerian team that has been circulating.

“After I unintentionally fouled a Nigerian player on court I was then physically assaulted by this player on the sideline of my bench. I was hit in the face and pushed to the ground but I walked away. Prior to the game I asked to sit out because I was concerned about my mental and physical health, which I have addressed publicly.

“We did not have professional referees to manage and prioritise both teams’ safety during this highly physical scrimmage.

“This is not an excuse or justification to the events that unfolded or my actions, however, I feel that a full picture of the environment that led to this outcome must be shared.

“I have taken responsibility and accountability for my involvement in what occurred. I genuinely apologised to the Nigerian team and once again, am sorry that these events are being rehashed.

Liz Cambage’ teammates have leapt to her defence over her racist and violent outburst. Picture: Getty

“I truly hope that I can move forward from this incident and apply actionable effort to be my best self. Thank you, Liz xx”

Players from both teams confirmed Cambage told the Nigerians to “go back to their third world country”.

Two Nigerian players told the News Corp investigation they heard Cambage refer to them as “monkeys” and a third player confirmed she didn’t hear the racist slur, but had been told by teammates it definitely happened.

One Nigerian described Cambage’s apology to her team as “bullshit”, adding half the players had turned their back on the Australian.

American media including Sports Illustrated have jumped on the story, but LA Sparks coach Derek Fisher and teammates yesterday played down the controversy saying they’d internally spoken about the issue but the controversial Australian deserved a “second chance.”

“We got past it, so whatever agenda is happening with it resurfacing that is other peoples’ business,” said Nigerian-American Nneka Ogwumike.

More details of Cambage’s outburst were revealed over the weekend. Picture: AFP

“Quite frankly we talked about it before she came to the team and granted people have their own accounts of what happened, but we addressed it and talk about how important it is for us to be together and be transparent.

“And also (we) empower giving people second chances you know.

“I think she could probably have more to say to her side of the story but as a team we talked about it and addressed it for what it is.

“Anything else is really not anyone else’s business unless Liz comes out and says what she wants to say, that’s kind of all I have to say.”

Teammate Chennedy Carter then added: “And we have Liz’s back.”