Cameron Brink has hit back at a LA Sparks fan who accused her of delaying her return to the court from injuries. The 6-foot-4 forward has not featured for the Sparks since suffering devastating ACL and meniscus injuries 12 months ago.
Despite being away from the court, Brink can be seen supporting the team on the sidelines while simultaneously working her way back to the floor. However, it appears fans are far from impressed, and even the team’s own fans.
In the wake of yet another defeat for the LA outfit, a fan stuck the boot into Cameron Brink by giving a harsh comment on Instagram. He said the No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft was making public appearances without braces and crutches, but isn’t able to suit up while the team is going through another tumultuous season.
“She should’ve been back on the court now,” the fan wrote. “Something tells me that if she put as much work into rehab as she puts into walking down red carpets and schmoozing, she’d be back by now.”
“As a Los Angeles Sparks fan, I am very perturbed by this. It’s been nearly a year since her surgery, but within two weeks after that, she was already making public appearances with no brace, crutches, or anything,” he added.
Brink, in response to the fan, pulled no punches, writing:
“Usually I don’t give energy to this type of stuff but I have time today,” she said. “I’m working INCREDIBLY hard every day. I would give anything to be out on the court right now. Basketball is my passion and everything to me… to say this you aren’t a real fan.
“ Thank you to those who understand ACLs can take a year & giving me grace. I cannot wait until I get to play again
, ” she added.
This Sunday will mark one year since Brink suffered the gruesome injury. She ended up spending more than 300 days off the court and missed playing in the Paris Olympics with the 3×3 Team USA. Brink underwent surgery to repair her ACL and meniscus, and spent countless hours working hard in the gym on her recovery.
When will Cameron Brink return from her injury?
Cameron Brink is making good progress in her recovery, and the LA Sparks are hopeful she could be available either before or after the WNBA All-Star break.
Brink made her first steps in her recovery in the preseason with Unrivaled before doing conditioning workouts. It took her time to get up to speed, and she was recently spotted doing ball handling but all activity remains non-contact.
The medical team are wary of rushing her back and will take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. The hope is that she will be able to play in the coming months. The Sparks’ form has nose-dived without their star forward, as they have won just three of their last ten games in the new season.