WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has recently faced criticism following her remarks about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which gained significant attention. Fans and commentators were not pleased with her response regarding the rivalry between the two rising stars.
On Monday, September 9, a clip from Engelbert’s interview on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” surfaced online. During the segment, host Tyler Mathisen inquired about the rivalry, specifically mentioning how it has “taken a darker turn, a more menacing turn, where race has been introduced into the conversation.”
When asked how she plans to address the hateful exchanges between fans of both players on social media, the WNBA commissioner essentially claimed that such intense rivalries are beneficial for the league.
Unsurprisingly, Engelbert’s remarks faced significant backlash from both fans and players. The 59-year-old was compelled to send an apology letter to the players amid the controversy.
“I was asked about WNBA rivalries and the negative aspects of social media and race, and my response missed the mark, for which I apologize,” Engelbert wrote in a letter to all league players on Friday (h/t Michael Voepel of ESPN). “I regret not clearly condemning the hateful speech that WNBA players often face on social media.”
Engelbert later expressed her regret regarding her response to the question. In her letter, the commissioner acknowledged her mistake and outlined what she would have said differently with the benefit of hindsight.
“I should have clearly stated that hate speech is harmful,” she wrote. “This is a teachable moment that I accept with humility. There is no place for racism, misogyny, homophobia, or any other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere else.
“I understand many of you have faced this for a long time. I want our league to help change the often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse.”
