Cathy Engelbert to WNBA players: ‘I missed the mark’ in interview

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert promised players Friday that she and the league will show leadership in combating the abusive language players experience on social media.

Engelbert also apologized to the players for an interview she gave on CNBC on Monday, in which she focused on the popularity of the rivalry but stopped short of condemning the insulting rhetoric players have faced.

“I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and simply put, my response fell short and for that I am sorry,” Engelbert wrote to the players in a letter obtained by ESPN. “I regret that I did not express in a clear and definitive manner my condemnation of the hate speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media.”

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

Asked on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” Monday about the “more threatening” tone some fans are taking on social media, particularly when it comes to race or sexuality, Engelbert instead focused on high-profile rookies Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, and how rivalries heighten fan interest.

WNBA players have responded on social media and in interviews with disappointment and frustration that Engelbert has not spoken out directly against offensive language. Terri Jackson, executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, issued a statement Tuesday saying Engelbert has failed to condemn the “racism, misogyny and harassment” players have experienced.

Jackson told ESPN that the players’ association felt the league had failed to set the tone for fan behavior on social media and that it was therefore up to the players themselves to address it.

“And we find it unacceptable to encourage the players to promote this competition and to post and/or comment on social media about this competition and then to leave the players unprotected in the manner that has occurred,” Jackson said.

“We expected the league to recognize the negative impact it was having on the players and on the 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 shows you are paying attention, that racism, prejudice and hatred are unacceptable and will not be welcomed, that shows you stand with the players.”

In Friday’s letter, Engelbert promised that the league will always do that in the future.

“I should have said directly and unequivocally that hate speech is harmful,” she wrote. “This is a learning moment and one I embrace with humility. There is absolutely no room for racism, misogyny, homophobia or any other form of hate in the WNBA or anywhere else.

“I know many of you have been struggling with this for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the too-often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse.”

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

“Perhaps the WNBPA and WNBA, their business partners and other relevant stakeholders can come together and consider possible solutions and perhaps even take a lead on this issue,” Jackson said.

Before this season, the WNBA held meetings with each franchise to educate players on the league’s Mind Health platform and advise them on the resources available to them for mental well-being. This is largely due to the league’s popularity in recent years and its interaction with fans.

As for concerns about potential player safety issues from potentially 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 all games. NBA Security is also an available resource to provide investigation, research or coordination with law enforcement for player safety concerns.

Engelbert wrote in her letter that she promised the league would listen to players and work with them to combat offensive rhetoric, and that the league would continue to provide mental health services and counseling.

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