Cathy Engelbert made a “weird” comment about Caitlin Clark while discussing the WNBA Rookie Class

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert hasn’t had a good month when it comes to the answers she gives to television interview questions about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.

Engelbert was widely criticized for the way she appeared to dodge the direct answer to a question about racist undertones that the fan rivalry between rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese can sometimes take on social media during a Sept. 9 appearance on the “Power Lunch” show. CNBC program.

This response was regretted by many WNBA players (including New York Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart) and virtually everyone on social media who saw the interview.

And Engelbert may come under even more fire Monday morning after strange comments she made about Clark and the WNBA’s rookie class during an interview for a 60 Minutes segment that aired Sunday.

When Engelbert was asked by host Jon Wertheim to describe the ‘Clark phenomenon’, she said: “(Clark is) obviously an incredible player, came in with an incredible following and has brought a lot of new fans to the league. If you look during our historic season – our attendance, our viewership, Caitlin, Angel too, Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink We’ll be talking about this class of rookies in a generation.

Wertheim then said, “I notice that when you get asked about Caitlin a lot, you also bring up other newbies.”

“No league is ever about one player,” Engelbert replied. “That player could get injured or whatever. So I think it’s just to acknowledge the fact that people in sports are watching for compelling content and rivalries. And you can’t do that just as one person.”

This response – especially Engelbert mentioning the obvious possibility of Clark getting hurt – has left fans on social media confused.

“Kind of a weird response. She can’t give Clark credit, says a player can get hurt…” one X user commented.

“Your cash cow might get hurt is not what a league committee should say out loud to the public as a reason. It should be an internal discussion. IMO, W should only put CC, AB and Phee ahead of the MSM,” he added to it. another.

Engelbert’s apparent reluctance to embrace Clark’s outspoken star power will be a fascinating storyline to watch as the Fever sensation’s career progresses.