Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Adele is big winner, Houston honored at Grammys

Summitt: Depression forced Holdsclaw to retire

Tennessee coach says former player lost passion for game

Image: Chamique HoldsclawAP
Chamique Holdsclaw was the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick in 1999 after leading Tennessee to three straight NCAA titles.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The depression Chamique Holdsclaw battled throughout her WBNA career probably played the biggest role in her decision to retire.

Tennessee’s Pat Summitt, Holdsclaw’s college coach, said Holdsclaw first told her she was considering retirement while she was playing with the Washington Mystics. Summitt, who has worked as a consultant for the Mystics, flew to Washington “as a coach and a friend” and spent time with Holdsclaw.

“I said, “OK, you’ve got a game tomorrow. Let’s just go play and see how you feel. If it’s not in your heart, then you’ll know,”’ Summitt said at a Tennessee alumni event in Nashville on Thursday. “She told me after that game, “Coach, it’s just not in my heart.”’

Holdsclaw, a six-time WNBA All-Star, shocked fans and her team, the Los Angeles Sparks, when she retired in June after playing five games. Holdsclaw didn’t give a reason for her retirement although she had earlier acknowledged bouts with depression.

She left the Mystics in July 2004 after seven seasons and played basketball in Spain before joining the Sparks in 2005. She later said she left the Mystics because depression caused her to become increasingly withdrawn from her team, coaches and confidantes.

Summitt said Holdsclaw hasn’t decided on what to do in the future but for now is enjoying life and not being in a routine.

“She just feels like it’s best for her not to play if she can’t bring it all every night,” she said.

Holdsclaw was the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick in 1999 after leading Tennessee to three straight NCAA titles.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
More news
Image: Pekingese Palacegarden Malachy trots in ring at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York
Reuters
Pekingese favored to be top dog

Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.

NY cable dispute blacks out Knicks, 4 NHL teams

NEW YORK (AP) - As the glow fades from the Giants' Super Bowl triumph, some New York sports fans are tuning in to basketball and hockey, with the Rangers in first place and the Knicks' overnight sensation, Jeremy Lin, sparking "Lin-sanity.''

Image:
AP
Six new breeds will join show at Westminster

Robins: This year, six new breeds will be making their debut on the green carpet for the Westminster Dog Show, which begins Monday.

Slide show
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos

Slideshow
Boston Celtics v Indiana Pacers
  Who's hot on Twitter?
Check out which of your favorite athletes have the best pages and most followers!

NBCSports.com

Special feature
"American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity" Met Gala - Arrivals
When athletes and celebs get together
A look at the many links between sports and Hollywood stars.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: To match Special Report CAMPAIGN/ROMNEY-OLYMPICS
  Presidential candidates and sports
How do President Obama and his Republican rivals stack up when it comes to their sports backgrounds?
Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos