What did Cathy Engelbert say? WNBA Commissioner issues unexpected response to Napheesa Collier’s explosive criticism | NBA News
During her exit interview on Tuesday, Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier verbally attacked WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement. She also accused the Commissioner of other violations. Engelbert reportedly informed her that Caitlin Clark “should be grateful for the WNBA because the league is responsible for her sponsorship deals.” In response to the charges, Engelbert issued a statement a short while ago stating that she was “disheartened” by Collier’s portrayal of their discussions and league leadership.
Cathy Engelbert issues measured response to Napheesa Collier’s explosive accusations
The fact that it was a powerful criticism of Cathy Engelbert and that it received support from a number of active players suggests that Collier’s criticism of the W is just the beginning. In response, Engelbert issued a statement a few hours after Collier went nuclear, stating that she was “disheartened” by Collier’s portrayal of their discussions and league leadership.“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA.. Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game..”The statement continued:“I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”For the unversed, in reference to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two rookie stars in the league who have attracted a lot of new fans to the league over the past two seasons due to their enormous success as collegiate basketball players, Napheesa Collier claimed that Commissioner Engelbert made a shocking comment, according to Collier.It is noteworthy that Engelbert did not reply to any of the specific quotations, such as the “on their knees” remark, that Collier attributed to her. Engelbert also did not respond to Collier’s assertion that she stated Caitlin Clark should be “appreciative” of the WNBA as she wouldn’t be able to earn nearly as much money off the court without the league’s platform.
Napheesa Collier delivers stern criticism of WNBA leadership, warning of league’s threatened future
Napheesa Collier read a prepared speech during her exit interview on Tuesday, which could go down in league history as a turning point. She attacked Cathy Engelbert, the league president. Collier claimed that the incompetence at the top posed a severe threat to the league’s viability. Then she stated: “The real threat to our league isn’t money.. It isn’t ratings or missed calls or even physical play. It’s a lack of accountability from the league office. Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating, and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates…”She continued:“Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage. Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.”In what may be considered a turning point in league history, Napheesa Collier read a prepared statement during her exit interview on Tuesday. She attacked Cathy Engelbert, president of the league. The incompetence at the top, Collier insisted, posed a major threat to the league’s future. Meanwhile, after the comments, neither Caitlin Clark nor Angel Reese has said anything as of yet. Also read: What did Napheesa Collier say about Cathy Engelbert? WNBA pro blasts WNBA Commissioner in explosive exit interview
