Cathy Engelbert to WNBA Players: I ‘Misled the Point’ in Interview

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert promised players on Friday that she and the league will show leadership in combating the offensive rhetoric players face on social media.

Engelbert also apologized to the players for her Monday interview on CNBC in which she focused on the popularity of the competitions but did not condemn the offensive rhetoric the players faced.

“I was asked a question about the WNBA rivalry, the dark side of social media and race, and my answer was simply inaccurate and I apologize,” Engelbert wrote to the players in a letter obtained by ESPN. “I am sorry that I did not clearly and decisively express my condemnation of the hateful rhetoric that is often directed at WNBA players on social media.”

The letter, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, was sent to all WNBA players, and Engelbert has also spoken with some players, a league source told ESPN.

Engelbert was asked on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” on Monday about the “more threatening” tone some fans take on social media, especially when it comes to race or gender. Engelbert instead focused on standout rookies Kaitlyn Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reyes of the Chicago Sky, and how rivalries build fan interest.

WNBA players have expressed disappointment and frustration on social media and in interviews that Engelbert has not spoken out directly against the offensive language. WNBA executive director Terri Jackson issued a statement Tuesday saying Engelbert had failed to condemn the “racism, misogyny and harassment” the players have experienced.

Jackson told ESPN that the players’ association felt that because the league had not sent a message trying to set the tone for fan behavior on social media, it was left to the players to deal with the matter.

“We find it unacceptable that players were encouraged to market this league, participate and/or post on social media to promote this league, and then leave players unprotected in the way they did,” Jackson said.

“We would have expected the league to recognize the negative impact it has had on its players and its business, and to proactively address this situation earlier in the season. You may not be able to control what is said or posted on social media, but you can send a message that you care, that racism, bias and hate are unacceptable and unwelcome, and that you stand in solidarity with the players.”

In a letter Friday, Engelbert pledged that the league would always do that in the future.

“I should have stated directly and clearly that hate speech is harmful,” she wrote. “This is a moment we can learn from and I humbly accept it. There is absolutely no place for racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere else.

“I know many of you have been dealing with this issue for a long time. I want us as a league to do everything we can to change the nature of toxic and abusive discourse on social media.”

Jackson said the WNBA has worked in the past with other professional women’s player associations on a project examining targeted online abuse of elite athletes and ways to protect them as workers.

“Perhaps the WNBA, WNBA, their corporate partners and other relevant stakeholders could come together and explore potential solutions and perhaps even lead this cause,” Jackson said.

Prior to this season, the WNBA held team outreach meetings with each franchise to provide players with information about the league’s Mind Health platform and advise them on the mental health resources available to them, especially as the league has become more popular in recent years and has more interaction with fans.

As for concerns about potential safety issues for players caused by abusive fans, all 12 teams have security personnel who are either team employees or contractors. The WNBA has security representatives in every market and at every game. NBA Security is also a resource available to provide investigation, research, or coordination with law enforcement regarding player safety concerns.

In her letter, Engelbert said she pledged that the league would listen to players and work with them to combat offensive rhetoric, and continue to provide mental health resources and guidance.

“Speaking up and taking action to address injustice is part of the DNA of the WNBA,” Engelbert wrote. “Throughout our history, it has been at the core of the work we all do.”