WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert responds after being slammed over racism question amid Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to criticism over her recent comments about racism and homophobia within the league.

The arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA has given the league a major boost and brought in a new fan base, but this season has also brought more tension.

Racism and homophobia are used as fans defend their favorite players in this duel, which has been compared to the Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson showdown in the NBA.

Engelbert was asked during an appearance on CNBC earlier this week how the league is “trying to stay ahead” of the racism and homophobia in this rivalry.

However, the commissioner’s answer missed the mark and many fans and players accused her of dodging the question.

She was accused of dodging a question about racism amid the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

Engelbert addressed the issue in a letter to the players, in which she apologized for her comments.

“I was asked a question about the rivalries within the WNBA and the dark side of social media and race, and my response was simply off-topic and I am sorry,” she wrote in the letter, which was obtained by ESPN.

“I regret not having spoken out in a clear and definitive manner in condemnation of the hate speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media. … I should have stated directly and unequivocally that hate speech is harmful. This is a teachable moment, and I embrace it with humility.

“There is absolutely no room for racism, misogyny, homophobia or any other form of hate in the WNBA or anywhere else. I know many of you have been dealing with it for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the all too often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse.”

Rather than address the league’s problems, Engelbert used the question to promote the on-field rivalry between Clark and Reese.

“Well, the one thing that’s great about the league right now is that we’re at this intersection of culture, sports, fashion and music. The WNBA players are really seen as sort of cultural icons now,” she said, in response to a question about managing the vitriol.

Engelbert used the question to promote the on-field rivalry between Clark and Reese rather than

“And when you have that, you have a lot of attention for yourself. There’s no more apathy. Everyone cares. It’s a bit like that Bird Magic moment if you remember that from 1979.

“When those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with those two.

“But the one thing I know about sports is that you need rivalry. That’s what keeps people watching, they want to see meaningful games between rivals. They don’t want everyone being nice to each other.”

The response sparked anger within the league, with players, fans and sports journalists reacting strongly to the commissioner.

Las Vegas Aces star Alysha Clark tweeted, “Sweet. Baby. Jesus.” along with a GIF of actor John C. Reilly looking disheveled on the show “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!”

Another Aces player, Sydney Colson, tweeted a clip from the Adam Sandler movie Billy Madison, in which actor Jim Downey says, among other things, “What you just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I’ve ever heard.”

Sports writer Lyndsey D’Arcangelo wrote: “I think this was a great opportunity for her to look some things straight in the eye, but damn, she missed it big time.”

Fans and players are lashing out online at the commissioner after her comments this week

Basketball author and podcaster Owen Pence wrote: ‘Imagine being asked about racism directed at one of your players and your response is that rivalries are good for competition. Good God.’

Others on social media were more vocal in their criticism, openly accusing Engelbert of endangering player safety.

“As many of us have said, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing the rhetoric this season with no 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,” one fan wrote.

Another fan said, “Cathy Engelbert has not even attempted to discourage the homophobic and racist behavior that occurs on WNBA posts and events. Not even on the official pages or at games. Get her out of here.”