If there’s one wish Cathy Engelbert would want, it has to be eating her words about Caitlin Clark. The league commissioner has been under intense scrutiny, following Napheesa Collier’s criticism of Engelbert for a lack of accountability.
WNBA icon Lisa Leslie didn’t hold back on the league’s officiating woes, spotlighting a key issue: referee turnover.
Lisa Leslie Calls Out WNBA Over Declining Refereeing
Speaking on her ‘Between the Lines’ podcast, the two-time champion and three-time MVP recently contrasted today’s inconsistent calls with the rapport she built with refs during her 1997-2009 career. Her comments land amid a postseason storm, with stars like Napheesa Collier and Sophie Cunningham blasting leadership and officiating.
Leslie’s critique ties the lack of tenured referees to missed calls, such as those involving injuries to Collier and Kelsey Mitchell. All of these issues point to a much broader issue that has been addressed.
“The refs and officials that we had at times would talk to us because we had relationships. You understood the officials, who it was, what their names were … because we are all on display here,” she said.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Additionally, the timing is no coincidence. With the CBA expiring later this month, and players like Collier demanding change, Leslie’s voice adds weight. She compared her era’s stability under Val Ackerman and David Stern to today’s friction with commissioner Cathy Engelbert, whose alleged remarks about Caitlin Clark sparked outrage.
Lisa Leslie Warns Cathy Engelbert About League Outrage
Leslie’s leadership critique was a gut punch, delivered via a vivid metaphor. The former WNBA veteran used a unique analogy to sum up her disgust with Englebert.
“The wolf is only as strong as the pack. But just know, when the wolf doesn’t lead the pack properly, the pack will eat the wolf,” she added.
Additionally, she warned Engelbert’s job “will forever be in jeopardy” after Collier’s September 30 exit interview exposed alleged CBA remarks. Engelbert’s “disheartening” response to Collier drew fire as “weak” from Stephen A. Smith, who demanded resignation. A’ja Wilson called the comments “disgusting,” while Cunningham labeled Engelbert “delusional.”