LAUREN Jackson says it was “a matter of principle” that led to her walking away from a potential deal to play with the Canberra Capitals this season.
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The Albury basketball superstar and the Caps had been in negotiations for the Opals captain to play the 2013-14 WNBL season after a chronic hamstring injury finished her chances last season.
Jackson’s agent, John Elliott, is believed to have sent at least four requests to Canberra for an amended contract to be signed between July 19 and last Friday.
But after Canberra failed to sign the deal by close of business on Monday, Jackson made the decision to pursue other playing options overseas.
It is understood Basketball ACT boss Tony Jackson faxed a signed copy of the contract almost an hour after the deadline but Jackson stood firm.
Jackson said she “wouldn’t be walked all over” when it came to her playing career.
“I feel like it was a very strong decision I made,” Jackson said.
“Absolutely, it was the principle of it.
“I had to make that decision and I had every right to make that.
“I’m not angry, I’m not sad, it’s just business, right?
“There was a deadline there and I made my decision.
“I already knew what I was going to do if they signed and if they didn’t sign. I didn’t feel like I could go back on that — and that’s where we are right now.
“There’s not much more I can do, especially when there’s other offers on the table. I have to do the right thing by those people, too.”
Jackson admitted she was upset that she wouldn’t be playing in Albury this year when the Caps play host to the Sydney Uni Flames on November 30.
But the four-time WNBL most valuable player said she fully intended to honour her original contract, which states that she will play with Canberra for two more seasons starting late next year.
“I want to be back here playing more than anything,” Jackson said yesterday.
“I’m so comfortable and happy being here but this was a business decision.
“I need to follow through on the opportunities I didn’t have a few weeks ago.
“I still have two more years on my contract with Canberra that I have to play, there’s no going back on that.”
Jackson will play for the Australian Opals in its world championship qualifier against New Zealand in Canberra on Sunday, August 18.
A Basketball Australia spokesman said it was disappointing for fans that Basketball ACT “was unable to formalise the contract amendment and close the deal”.
Mr Jackson did not respond to calls from The Border Mail last night.
