Vegas Sports Digest

A’ja Wilson’s health-based withdrawal from the 2026 FIBA World Cup quickly drew public questions after USA Basketball gave no details. Linda Cohn’s suggestion that Wilson might be avoiding Caitlin Clark’s spotlight triggered widespread backlash, including from Dawn Staley.

Cohn later clarified she was only “asking questions” about the timing after Wilson’s strong August numbers, not accusing her. ESPN’s Cindy Brunson called the clarification “Olympic level backpedaling,” arguing it only boosted Wilson’s MVP case.

An ESPN report later confirmed back issues that had already appeared on injury reports, shifting focus from speculation to the real health concerns.