August 6, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Houston sources say all-star forward Sheryl Swoopes is “unofficially” retired, but that the club is holding out on the announcement until the end of the season.
But the Comets’ public relations staff said Swoopes still is planning to return to the team.
Swoopes has been suffering from a lower back injury since the third game of the season, not playing since going 1 for 5 from the field in 32 minutes of a loss to San Antonio on May 29. The three-time league MVP recently strained a nerve ending in her right leg, which has delayed her comeback.
The Comets are 10-18 and currently out of the postseason picture at fifth place in the Western Conference. Yet, with the Storm (14-15) playing without All-Star Lauren Jackson (family illness) and center Janell Burse (left wrist) this week, there is a chance for Houston to sneak up and grab the fourth and final berth.
Houston plays a tough schedule with five of its final six games against teams jockeying for postseason positioning. Three are at home.
Seattle, which owns the tiebreaker against Houston at 2-1, plays its final three games at home against Washington, Minnesota and Los Angeles.
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