WNBA gamers and followers SLAM commissioner Cathy Engelbert for dodging query about racism and homophobia in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry

Whereas the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has actually introduced extra eyeballs to the league than ever earlier than, it has additionally introduced out the worst in some followers.

Racism and homophobia have been used when followers defend their favourite gamers on this two-sided rivalry, which has led to escalating tensions the likes basketball hasn’t seen for the reason that days of the Larry Chook-Magic Johnson rivalry within the NBA.

Showing on CNBC, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was requested about how the league ‘tries to remain forward’ of racism and homophobia on this rivalry.

She replied, ‘Nicely the one factor that is nice concerning the league proper now, we do sit at this intersection of tradition, and sports activities, and style and music. Like, the WNBA gamers are actually checked out now as sort of cultural icons.

‘And when you’ve gotten that, you’ve gotten a variety of consideration on you. There is no extra apathy. All people cares. It’s a little little bit of that Chook-Magic second in case you recall from 1979.

‘When these two rookies got here in from an enormous school rivalry, one white, one black. And so we’ve that second with these two.

‘However the one factor I learn about sports activities, you want rivalry. That is what makes individuals watch, they need to watch video games of consequence between rivals. They do not need all people being good to 1 one other.’

Gamers, writers, and followers of the league criticized Engelbert’s response on social media, accusing her of dodging the query and never doing sufficient to guard gamers.

Las Vegas Aces star Alysha Clark tweeted, ‘Candy. Child. Jesus.’ together with a GIF of actor John C. Reilly trying confused from the present ‘Tim and Eric’s Superior Present, Nice Job!’

One other Aces participant, Sydney Colson, tweeted out a clip from the Adam Sandler film Billy Madison whereby actor Jim Downey says, partially, ‘What you simply stated is without doubt one of the most insanely idiotic issues I’ve ever heard.’

Sports activities author Lyndsey D’Arcangelo wrote, ‘in my view, this was an open alternative for her to deal with some issues head on and rattling, she missed it by a mile.’

Basketball author and podcaster Owen Pence wrote, ‘Think about being requested about racism directed at certainly one of your gamers and your response is that rivalry is nice for the league. Good lord.’

Others on social media had been extra pointed with their criticism – outwardly accusing Engelbert of endangering the protection of gamers.

‘Like many people have been saying, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing the rhetoric this season with out regard for the gamers, their security, or their psychological well being. The gamers are individuals, not only a product. Disgrace on Cathy Engelbert and everybody concerned,’ wrote one fan.

One other fan stated, ‘Cathy Engelbert didn’t even attempt to discourage the homophobic and racist conduct that happens on WNBA posts and occasions. Not even on the official pages or at video games. Get her out of right here.’

‘cathy engelbert is horrible for the league in each approach. lacks a spine in moments like this when she ought to rise up for decency for gamers in favor of “publicity” then in all of the moments when she needs to be focusing cash and publicity for the league she’s nowhere to be discovered,’ one other fan wrote.

Yet one more stated, ‘Severe query: How is Cathy Engelbert capable of preserve her job? What has she completed to raise the WNBA? They requested her about racism and sexism. She responded with verbal rubbish that highlighted rivalry and endorsements. She must go ASAP and is part of the issue’

‘To be requested immediately about how one can get forward of your gamers being subjected to racism/homophobia for doing THEIR JOBS and to reply it by dodging & speaking as a substitute about how worthwhile it’s… is really one thing. Disgusting response from Cathy Engelbert however by no means shocking,’ one other fan stated.