Caty Engelbert must be having sleepless nights after facing backlash from fans, players, and former players over her ‘conversation’ with Napheesa Collier. The Lynx forward decided to keep everything in front of the media and fans to show how the WNBA Commissioner operates the league and views its players, including superstars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.
While many players, like Nneka Ogwumike, Kahleah Copper, and A’ja Wilson showed support to Collier for her stand, CC’s fan Dave Portnoy was specifically angry with Engelbert’s comments on the Fever guard.
Dave Portnoy Blasts Cathy Engelbert For Her Comments On Caitlin Clark
In her speech, thrashing the WNBA leadership for its accountability, Napheesa Collier gave an example of her discussion about players’ salaries and asked about the league’s idea about working on rookies’ salaries like Clark, Bueckers, and Reese, who brought immense revenue to the league.
As per Collier’s allegations, Cathy Engelbert said that the players should be on their knees thanking the league for the opportunity they get and singling out the Fever rookie, she said, “‘Caitlin (Clark) should be grateful to make $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.'”
Considering CC’s popularity and NIL deals, the comments seem laughable. ESPN show host Scott Van Pelt also backed Clark by firing Cathy Engelbert for her bold comment. Dave Portnoy made the same point on the Courtside Club podcast.
Talking to Rachel DeMita, he said, “If you look back at it, like the power of her and when her shoe comes out, like we’ll see what the sales are. They (Nike) are paying Devin Booker, I think, $40 million a year. Like, I think Caitlin’s like getting eight, right? So, in what universe is Devin Booker worth $40 million a year and Caitlyn’s worth eight? It’s insane. It’s all up, and they’re not taking advantage of it, and clearly the players have lost faith in Cathy.”
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Recently, the WNBA players’ shoes have been selling more, with Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson leading the charts. The hype is so high that Reese’s old prophetic video also went viral after selling out shoes. And in that context, Dave Portnoy’s claims are true, as the Fever star is already a bigger star who brought in more views and new fans to put the WNBA back on the map.
Caitlin Clark Reacts To Cathy Engelbert’s Comments
As for the Fever playmaker, she was more involved in supporting her team in the semifinal series against the Aces. And now, when they are eliminated, she spoke about the topic, mentioning that she hasn’t received a call from Cathy after Collier’s speech and allegations.
Supporting the Lynx forward, CC mentioned that the league needs good leadership. Taking an indirect jab at the WNBA Commissioner, Clark said, “I’d say the most important part of leadership, whether the WNBA, whether corporate America, comes down to relationships and really caring about the people you surround yourself with.”
It’s clear that the 23-year-old star is unhappy with the comments and the approach of the WNBA authority.