Following Napheesa Collier’s revelation of a purported private conversation in which the league’s leader made remarks against Clark, Caitlin Clark stated Thursday that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not contacted her. This occurred after Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier attacked WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a prepared speech during her exit interview on Tuesday. Further, the Commissioner of the WNBA was quoted by her as having stated that Caitlin Clark “should be grateful to the WNBA because the league is behind sponsorship deals.”
Caitlin Clark echoes Napheesa Collier as Commissioner Cathy Engelbert slammed over shocking remarks
The Commissioner of the WNBA, Cathy Engelbert, is under fire. The Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier called her “negligent.” The MVP runner-up also revealed a private exchange with Engelbert regarding Caitlin Clark, in which he reportedly stated that Clark should be “appreciative” of the platform the WBA offers her. The guard for the Indiana Fever then made his first public remarks since the league’s All-Star Game in July. In her long speech, Minnesota Lynx star Collier blasted league officials, especially Engelbert, for what Collier described as a lack of responsibility and concern for WNBA players. Clark thought Collier had good points.During her exit interview for the Fever, Clark said:“We need great leadership at this time across all levels… this is the most important time in this league’s history… Phee said it all.”As controversial talks for a new collective bargaining agreement seemed to have reached a standstill, Clark said Collier “made a lot of very valid points” and emphasized the significance of having “great leadership in this time across all levels.”“This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history, where this league’s been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on… So, that’s honestly what I would say. Phee said it all, what she said and the points she made.” In a private conversation, Engelbert told Collier on Tuesday that Clark and other players “should be on their knees” in appreciation for the platform the NBA has provided them. Collier claimed that Clark’s endorsement arrangements were singled out by the commissioner, who claimed that if it weren’t for the WNBA, she wouldn’t have them.
Napheesa Collier blasts WNBA leadership as Cathy Engelbert fires back in heated accountability clash
The vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, Collier, delivered a prepared speech that was direct and honest. She made several significant statements against the WNBA’s executives, particularly claims against Engelbert, which show a significant gap between the league’s top officials and its players.Collier asserted that the league’s survival was seriously threatened by the ineptitude at the top.“The real threat to our league isn’t money,” Collier said. “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. Engelbert responded to the accusations a few minutes ago, saying she was “disheartened” by the way Collier described their conversations and league leadership. A few hours after Collier’s outburst, Engelbert responded in a statement claiming she was “disheartened” by the way Collier had described their conversations 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.”Apart from Clark, A’ja Wilson also backed up Napheesa and her comments. Also read: What did Cathy Engelbert say? WNBA Commissioner issues unexpected response to Napheesa Collier’s explosive criticism
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