WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to criticism over her recent comments about racism and homophobia within the league.
The successful arrivals of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to the WNBA have provided a huge boost to the league and a new fan base, but this season has also seen tensions rise.
Racism and homophobia have been used when fans defend their favorite players in the rivalry between the two sides, which has been compared to the Larry Bird-Magic Johnson showdown in the NBA.
Earlier this week, during an appearance on CNBC, Engelbert was asked about how the league is “trying to stay ahead” of racism and homophobia in this rivalry.
However, the commissioner’s response was completely wrong, and many fans and players accused her of dodging the question.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Responds to Criticism Over Comments on Racism
She was accused of evading a question about racism amid the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
Engelbert addressed the issue in a letter sent to players, apologizing for his comments.
“I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and my answer simply missed the mark and I am sorry,” she wrote in the letter obtained by ESPN.
‘I regret that I did not state, clearly and definitively, my condemnation of the hate speech that is too often directed at WNBA players on social media… I should have said directly and unequivocally that hate speech is harmful. This is a teachable moment that I humbly accept.
“There is no place for racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere else. I know many of you have been dealing with this for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the overly toxic and abusive nature of discourse on social media.”
Rather than addressing issues affecting the league, Engelbert used the question to further the on-court rivalry between Clark and Reese.
“The cool thing about the league right now is that we’re at an intersection of culture, sports, fashion and music. WNBA players are now seen as sort of cultural icons,” she said, responding to a question about how to handle criticism.
Engelbert used the question to further the on-court rivalry between Clark and Reese.
“And when you have that, you get a lot of attention. There’s no apathy anymore. Everyone cares. It’s a bit like that Bird-Magic moment if you remember the one in 1979.
“When those two freshmen came from a great college rivalry, one white, one black. And then we have that moment with those two.
“But what I do know about sports is that you need rivalry. That’s what makes people watch sports, they want to see big games between rivals. They don’t want everyone to be nice to each other.”
The response sparked outrage across the league with players, fans and sportswriters attacking the commissioner.
Las Vegas Aces star Alysha Clark tweeted, “Sweet. Baby. Jesus,” along with a GIF of actor John C. Reilly looking confused after “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!”
Another Aces player, Sydney Colson, tweeted a clip from Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison in which actor Jim Downey says, in part, “What you just said is one of the most incredibly idiotic things I’ve ever heard.”
Sportswriter Lyndsey D’Arcangelo wrote: “In my opinion, this was an open opportunity for her to address some things head on and damn, she completely blew it.”
Fans and players attacked the commissioner online following her response this week
Basketball writer and podcaster Owen Pence wrote: “Imagine being asked about racism directed at one of your players and your response being that the rivalry is good for the league. Oh my God.”
Others on social media were more direct with their criticism, openly accusing Engelbert of endangering player safety.
“As many of us have been saying, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing rhetoric this season with no regard for the players, their safety, or their mental health. Players are people, not just a product. Shame on Cathy Engelbert and everyone involved,” one fan wrote.
Another fan said: “Cathy Engelbert hasn’t even attempted to discourage the homophobic and racist behavior that occurs in WNBA posts and events. Not even on the official pages or at games. Get her out of here.”