Liberty surprisingly release Betnijah Laney-Hamilton after benching
The New York Liberty have released veteran player Betnijah Laney-Hamilton following a period of benching and a controversial ejection. The team stated the move is intended to allow the player to seek a larger role elsewhere.
Why it matters
This marks a significant roster change for a recent WNBA championship-winning franchise involving a former All-Star player.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton's time with the New York Liberty is over, under bizarre circumstances.
The franchise released the veteran wing on Thursday, ending a New York career that saw her earn All-Star honors in 2021 and a WNBA championship in 2024.
Laney-Hamilton, 32, had not played for the Liberty since July 12, when she was ejected from a game against the Toronto Tempo for throwing teammate Jonquel Jones' shoe at opponent Marina Mabrey .
Both Laney-Hamilton and Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco said the contact with Mabrey was unintentional, claiming Laney-Hamilton was trying to return the shoe to Jones, who had lost it on the previous play, and missed. It still earned Laney-Hamilton a technical foul and ejection, with DeMarco complaining about the call taking away the Liberty's momentum.
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