Napheesa Collier torches WNBA leadership in exit interview
Share this @internewscast.com

Collier, known for her candidness in championing players’ causes, criticized the current level of officiating and player pay, describing those at the helm of the league as “tone deaf” and “dismissive.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Much like her passionate head coach, Lynx’s standout forward Napheesa Collier may soon find her bank balance reduced by a few thousand dollars after she openly criticized the leadership of the WNBA during her exit interview on Tuesday.

Collier, who sustained an injury from a harsh collision during Game 3 of Minnesota’s playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury, delivered a prepared statement criticizing the competence of league officiating and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s indifferent response to demands for improvement. The runner-up for MVP emphasized that she was initiating a dialogue about an issue far larger than mere victories or defeats.

“The actual danger to our league isn’t financial, related to viewership numbers, or even missed calls or intense gameplay. It’s the absence of accountability from the league’s administration,” Collier declared. She claimed that inconsistency in officiating across the WNBA has become a pervasive issue that “plagues our sport and compromises its credibility.”

Collier highlighted harsh fouls and aggressive plays that have benched top players like Caitlin Clark and herself, asserting that everyone from coaches to players and fans recognizes the harm caused by officials turning a blind eye. Everyone recognizes this, Collier insisted, except for Engelbert and the league’s executives, labeling it “negligence.”

“The league’s regard for player well-being is one concern, but to also disregard the quality of the game we deliver is a form of self-sabotage,” Collier stated to the press. “Each year, the sole consistent factor is the lack of accountability from those in charge.”

The Lynx forward was also vocal and direct in her criticism of WNBA player compensation, saying that talent like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who are driving “massive revenue” for the league, should be making more. Collier recalled a conversation with Englebert in which the commissioner allegedly said Clark “should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”

“In that same conversation, she told me ‘players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’ That’s the mentality driving our league from the top. We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us,” Collier alleged. “The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them.”

 It was revealed Tuesday that Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was fined $15,000 for going at an official after Collier was injured in Game 3 by what she felt was an uncalled hard foul, and for blasting the league following the game. When asked by reporters if she thought she would be fined for Tuesday’s statement, she said she wasn’t concerned about that, but “for the future of our sport.”  

“We have the best players in the world, we have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier insisted. 

At this point, there has been no official response from the commissioner or other league officials, but Collier’s comments have spread like wildfire across social media platforms. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Marion County man charged with creating CSAM using AI

Marion County Resident Accused of Producing CSAM with Artificial Intelligence

Police say that Lucius Martin was arrested during a traffic stop, where…
What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

Implications of the Current Government Shutdown

Washington is gearing up for what might be an extended federal shutdown…
Anti-Defamation League retires glossary of extremist groups after backlash for including Charlie Kirk's TPUSA

ADL withdraws extremist groups glossary following criticism for listing Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently decided to pull its entire “Glossary of…
Italy’s Meloni says Gaza flotilla risks escalation, could ‘blow up' potential ceasefire deal

Italy’s Meloni Warns Gaza Flotilla Could Endanger Ceasefire Negotiations

The Gaza-bound flotilla involving anti-Israel activists and celebrities, including Greta Thunberg, has…
UNC Suspends Redneck Revolt Professor

UNC Places Redneck Revolt Professor on Suspension

UNC Chapel Hill professor Dwayne Dixon, a self-identified member of the far-left…
SEC No Action Letter Signals Green Light for Innovation

SEC Greenlights Innovation with No Action Letter

In a notable advancement for the blockchain and decentralized tech industries, the…
Trump gives Hamas 'three to four days' to accept plan or meet a 'a very sad end'

Trump Warns Hamas: You Have ‘Three to Four Days’ to Agree to Plan or Face Consequences

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump gave the Hamas terrorist organization a deadline…
Massive telecom bust in major city is ‘wake-up call’ as foreign adversaries threaten US security: experts

Telecom Collapse in Major City Highlights Security Threats from Foreign Adversaries, Experts Warn

The U.S. Secret Service has recently taken down an extensive telecommunications network…
Utah gov marks turning point as TPUSA returns after Charlie Kirk assassination

Utah Governor Marks Milestone as TPUSA Reunites Following Incident Involving Charlie Kirk

LOGAN, Utah – Turning Point USA returned to Utah Tuesday night for…
Government shutdown begins as lawmakers fail to reach deal to extend funding

Government Shutdown Initiated After Lawmakers Fail to Secure Funding Agreement

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer debate government…
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…
ICE in Chicago protest: Broadview, Illinois leaders to address what they call 'unprovoked' use of chemical agents at ICE facility

Chicago ICE Protest: Broadview, Illinois Leaders Condemn Alleged ‘Unprovoked’ Use of Chemical Agents at ICE Facility

CHICAGO (WLS) — Officials from the village of Broadview are scheduled to…