Calls Mount For WNBA Commissioner’s Firing After Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Comments
The rookie rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has brought attention on the WNBA to new heights in the 2024 season.
While this rivalry has come with a lot of good for the growth of the league, it’s also brought out the ugly side of these star players’ two feuding fanbases.
During her recent appearance on CNBC’s Power Lunch, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was asked about the increase of racist, sexist and homophobic vitriol on social media — specifically in reference to the rivalry between Clark and Reese.
Instead of denouncing the racism, sexism and homophobia being directed toward her players, Engelbert instead chose to speak about the league’s increased cultural impact and money-making opportunities.
“There’s no more apathy. Everybody cares. It is a little bit of that Bird-Magic moment if you recall, from 1979,” Engelbert said. “When those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two.
“But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry,” Engelbert added. “That’s what makes people watch, They want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everybody being nice to one another.”
WNBA fans and players are not happy with this response. Some are even calling for Engelbert’s dismissal as the league’s commissioner.
“Serious question: How is Cathy Engelbert able to keep her job? What has she done to elevate the WNBA? They asked her about racism and sexism. She responded with verbal garbage that highlighted rivalry and endorsements. She needs to go ASAP and is a part of the problem,” one wrote.
“Like many of us have been saying, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing the rhetoric this season without regard for the players, their safety, or their mental health. The players are people, not just a product. Shame on Cathy Engelbert and everyone involved,” another added.
“Cathy Engelbert is a terrible commissioner who clearly has no plan to protect players in the league and is mentally stuck in 1979,” another said.
“Cathy Englebert should not be the commissioner of this league… There’s been so many indications before but being asked about racism and saying it’s makes a good rivalry and its good for marketing is insane…” another wrote.
Engelbert has been WNBA commissioner since 2019.
News
Caitlin Clark reveals her political allegiances by LIKING Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris… putting firm end to Republican rumors
Caitlin Clark reveals her political allegiances by LIKING Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris… putting firm end to Republican rumors. Taylor Swift’s online support for Kamala Harris’ presidential run has gained the approval of WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. In an Instagram post published…
Lexie Hull’s Mom Demands Indiana Fever Star to Stay “Humble and Kind” Amid Hot Form in WNBA Playoff Rush
The Indiana Fever is hitting its stride at just the right moment. With the regular season still ongoing, the team is riding high, having lost only once in their last seven games. While Caitlin Clark’s stellar performance has certainly been…
BREAKING: Angel Reese Claps Back at Fake Injury Claims & Call Haters By Offensive Name
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese sent a clear message to those claiming she’s faking her wrist injury. Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) looks on during the first half of a basketball game against…
Angel Reese Shares Details About Season Ending Injury And Addresses The Haters
Sky Forward Angel Reese Drops Big Update on How Long Her Recovery Will Be. After announcing she suffered a season-ending wrist injury against the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese took to TikTok to set the record straight on…
Why are the Chicago Sky still struggling to feed the ball to Kamilla Cardoso?
The Chicago Sky had a simple goal ahead of their game Friday against the Los Angeles Sparks: Feed Kamilla Cardoso. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon set the expectation. Without Cameron Brink on the court, the Sparks didn’t have the size or the…
Thanks to Angel Reese’s fake injury, Kamilla Cardoso finally can shine! Fans Want Angel Reese’s Teammate To Demand A Trade
Fans Want Angel Reese’s Teammate To Demand A Trade. Angel Reese has been getting a lot of extra time in games that she probably hasn’t needed over the past few games and it’s starting to get on fans’ nerves to the…
End of content
No more pages to load