Emma Cannon, Brionna Jones denied visas into Turkey

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports

Politics and sports are once again intermingling as the WNBA season has drawn to a close and players are beginning their stints with teams overseas.

The Associated Press was told by both Cannon and Jones that both players were at Moscow’s airport when they were told by the team president of the Russian team they play for that they would be unable to enter Turkey.

The source of the issue between the United States and Turkey stems from an arrest of a U.S. consulate in Turkey. In response, Turkey put visa services in the United States to a stop.

 

I’m not happy about missing my first Euroleague game, and not be there for my teammates. But this is something way bigger than basketball, so I will cheer on my team and get ready for the next game.

 

–Cannon to AP

Other players such as Chelsea Gray and Jantel Lavender are also unable to travel to compete for European teams while some such as Kia Vaughn and Bria Hartley of the New York Liberty were able to travel as they had visas prior to the impasse taking place.



By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)