Earlier this week, the WNBA Players Union (WNBPA) spoke out against the controversial comments made by league commissioner Cathy Engelbert on CNBC’s Power Lunch on Monday.
When asked about concerning social media exchanges regarding superstar rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, where race and sexuality were brought into the conversation, Engelbert avoided the question. Instead, she chose to focus on what she described as a “rivalry” in a positive light.
“The one thing I know about sports is that you need a rivalry,” said the commissioner, comparing Reese and Clark to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. “That’s what makes people watch. They want to see games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everyone being nice to each other.”
WNBPA calls out subjects WNBA comm’r Engelbert dodged
After receiving criticism online from players, the WNBPA released a statement condemning racism, homophobia, and misogyny.
“Here is the answer that the Commissioner should have provided to the very clear question regarding the racism, misogyny, and harassment experienced by the Players,” the statement read.
There is no place in sport — or in life — for hate, racist language, homophobic comments, and misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media. Fandom should uplift the game, not tear down the very people who bring it to life.
WNBA stars address Engelbert’s CNBC comments
Some of the league’s top players took to the press to support the WNBPA’s statements, including Aces forward Alysha Clark.
“The types of comments and the negativity directed at the players have taken a darker turn, and that is not acceptable,” Clark told ESPN. “I wish Engelbert had just acknowledged that – ‘It’s not okay’.”
Liberty star Breanna Stewart echoed Clark’s thoughts, saying “The surge of fans, especially in support of Caitlin and Angel entering the league, has brought a racial aspect to another level. There is no place for that in our sport.”
Engelbert later responded to the Players Union’s statement in a post, stating “there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.”
