WNBA guard Riquna Williams ‘is facing nine chargers after domestic violence allegations despite being released from custody’

WNBA guard Riquna Williams was arrested following domestic violence allegations against her wife before later the Aces player was released from custody. 

A judge on Wednesday allowed Williams to be freed from jail without bail less than a day after her arrest, but said she can have no contact with her alleged victim and must comply with alcohol monitoring pending another court appearance August 2. 

Williams faces five felony charges including multiple counts of domestic battery by strangulation, coercion with the threat or use of physical force and assault with use of a weapon, according to court records. She also faces four misdemeanor domestic battery charges. 

The 33-year-old stood silently in shackles behind security glass during her initial appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court. 

Her public defender, Ryan Bashor, told the judge that Williams has lived in Nevada for five years and ‘there should be no issue with a no-contact order’ since the person Williams is accused of attacking ‘is in the process or has already relocated’ out of the house.

Las Vegas Aces WNBA basketball player Riquna Williams makes an initial court appearance Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Las Vegas Justice Court. Riquna Williams was freed from jail Wednesday without bail, a day after her arrest on felony domestic strangulation, battery and other charges alleging that she attacked a victim who authorities described as her spouse

Williams will not be with the Las Vegas Aces ‘at this time’ and until further notice from the team

Prosecutor Glen O’Brien cited what he called ‘violence and damage to the victim’ but did not identify the person. It was not clear if the person was injured or required medical treatment.

Justice of the Peace Rebecca Saxe noted that the charges stemmed from acts that police said ‘occurred over an extended period of time.’

The Las Vegas Aces released a statement in the wake of the shocking news becoming public, revealing Williams would, presently at least, not be with the team.

‘As an organization, we condemn domestic violence of any kind,’ the statement read. ‘At this time, Riquna Williams will be precluded from participating in team activities. 

‘Our thoughts are with the parties involved in this situation. We are currently gathering more information, and as such we will not have any further comments at this time.’ 

WNBA Players Association Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson also released a statement Wednesday.

‘We have been advised of the situation involving one of our members in Las Vegas,’ WNBA PA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson said. ‘We are monitoring the situation and have no further comment at this time.’ 

Police responded about noon Tuesday to a call at a home in the upscale Southern Highlands enclave south of the Las Vegas Strip. An arrest report was not immediately released. 

It is not the first time Williams has faced domestic violence allegations. In 2019, while a member of the LA Sparks, she was suspended 10 games — almost one-third of the season — resultantly. 

The 33-year-old was part of the championship-winning Aces team last season — the first in franchise history.