The Las Vegas Aces won’t have All-Star center A’ja Wilson at their disposal this Friday when they take on the Dallas Wings.

During Wednesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the three-time MVP was struck in the face by Dearica Hamby as she was driving to the basket. She left the game in the third quarter and did not return.

“She was bleeding,” Aces coach Becky Hamon said. “She’s going to go to the doctor tomorrow and see what’s going on. I don’t have anything beyond that.”

Unfortunately, the latest update from the Aces isn’t encouraging. Wilson sustained a concussion during Wednesday night’s game. It’s unclear when she’ll return to action.

WNBA fans are understandably worried about Wilson’s long-term health.

“Prayers for A’ja,” one fan commented.

“Feel better goat,” a second fan said.

“Praying for a healthy recovery,” another fan wrote.

“Worst part is that she’s probably going to be out for a couple more games if she’s in concussion protocol,” a fourth fan said.

LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 4: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces looks on during the game against the New York Liberty during Round Two Game Three of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 4, 2024 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Barry Gossage/Getty Images

Since Wilson is officially in concussion protocol, there’s no definitive timeline for her return. Every athlete responds differently to a concussion.

Wilson is averaging 20.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season. It’ll be tough to replace her production, make no mistake about it.

Hopefully, the Aces will have a positive update about Wilson to share with their fans later this weekend.

Until then, WNBA fans will be wishing Wilson a speedy recovery.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’