Dave Portnoy slams Cathy Engelbert and tells | Sports News

The hashtag #FireplaceCathyEnglebert was trending instantly on social media after Napheesa Collier detonated a verbal WNBA bomb following her fearless exit interview after the group’s playoff elimination by the hands of the Phoenix Mercury. A firestorm left Commissioner Cathy Engelbert within the scorching seat, and Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy turned all consideration back to the identify he believed the league could not afford to fumble in Caitlin Clark.

Collier’s presser began not by taking questions from the press, however with a ready written assertion that described the league’s refereeing as inconsistent to the purpose of sabotage, arguing that the WNBA’s refusal to deal with the problem is damaging the product. The approach she framed it, the WNBA is guilty of “self-sabotage,” prioritizing optics over integrity whereas everybody from followers to coaches retains shouting into the void.

Collier then revealed a dialog that painted the commissioner as dismissive and even mocking of participant issues. “I sat across from Cathy and asked how she planned to address the officiating issues in our league. Her response was, ‘Well, only the losers complain about the refs,'” Collier mentioned. Portnoy additionally criticized the league’s officiating, particularly pertaining to Clark. 

“I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel, and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years. Her response was: ‘Caitlin should be grateful she made $60 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’

“In that dialog, she informed me gamers ought to be on their knees thanking their fortunate stars for the media rights deal I received them.”

Portnoy couldn’t believe the Commissioner’s comments about one of the league’s top stars. “I proceed to be astounded by how dumb Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA are,” he posted on X. “It’s like her life aim is to alienate Caitlin and her followers. It’s madness. Caitlin may begin a new league tomorrow and put Cathy out of business. They will not be comfortable until they kill the golden goose.”

Portnoy has practically built a second brand around Clark this year, defending her against any perceived slight. He’s placed a $25k bet on her, showed up courtside to her games, and hammered anyone who downplays the so-called Caitlin Clark effect.

His new Indiana Fever loyalty has come on the expense of Clark’s rivals like Angel Reese, leading to him being banned by the Sky on social media. Reese’s cryptic post on X after Collier’s assertion learn, “10/10, No notes,” suggesting that the Chicago Sky star agreed with parties against WNBA leadership.

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Engelbert responded with a carefully worded statement that didn’t fully address Collier’s words. She notably did not deny the specific quotes Collier attributed to her, nor did she directly address Clark.

“I’ve the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all of the gamers within the WNBA. Together, we’ve all labored tirelessly to remodel this league. My focus stays on making certain a brilliant future for the gamers and the WNBA, together with collaborating on how we proceed to raise the sport. I’m disheartened by how Napheesa characterised our conversations and league management, however even when our views differ, my dedication to the gamers and this work is not going to waver.”

Engelbert’s uproar couldn’t have come at a worse time. The WNBA’s present CBA expires on Halloween, one month after the gamers’ union opted out final yr.

Talks for a new deal have dragged regardless of file viewership, a $2.2 billion media rights deal, and growth plans so as to add two new franchises by 2030. Players have used the phrases “transformational change” to explain what they need, and there are no indicators of them budging from their calls for.