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
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reveals how Epstein, Maxwell ‘broke down’ girls step by step in psychological war

Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir Exposes Epstein and Maxwell’s Chilling Tactics in Systematic Psychological Manipulation

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s first encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s pink-hued mansion in Palm…
Fraternity suspended after possible hazing leaves university student in critical condition: report

University Fraternity Faces Suspension Amid Alleged Hazing Incident: Student Critically Injured

A fraternity in New Jersey is facing suspension due to potential hazing…
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich shares message from Catholic Church to undocumented immigrants in US

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich Delivers Important Message to Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago released a series of videos…
North Carolina man recounts shooting after Trump banner torn from mother’s yard: 'Some people just snap'

North Carolina Man Reflects on Shooting Incident Over Torn Trump Banner: A Tale of Sudden Anger

A troubling incident in North Carolina has captured attention, as a man…
Howard University professor calls on White political allies to emulate vigilante mass murderer

Howard University Professor Urges White Allies to Reflect on Controversial Vigilante Actions

A professor from Howard University known for her far-left views has stirred…
Illinois Rep. Hoan Huynh says Customs and Border Patrol agent pulled gun on him near Montrose, Kimball in Albany Park, Chicago

Illinois Rep. Hoan Huynh Alleges Gun Incident with Border Patrol Agent in Chicago’s Albany Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Illinois state representative, who is also a candidate…
Father leaps into ocean after daughter falls from Disney cruise ship deck: reports

Report: Mother Allegedly Urged Daughter to Pose for Photo at Open Porthole Before Fall from Disney Cruise Ship

A family vacation aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream took a…
Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky is remembered as a leader in the game's online surge

Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Celebrated as a Pioneer in the Online Chess Renaissance

Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent figure in competitive chess who rose to fame…
The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

Louvre Reopens After Daring Heist: Uncovering the Century’s Boldest Art Theft

The Louvre has once again opened its doors to visitors after a…
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
Family fights for father's release from ICE custody after Crestwood arrest, details conditions at Broadview facility

Family Battles for Father’s Freedom: Inside the Harrowing Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility After Crestwood Arrest

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mariana Cabrera recounted the tense hours her family endured,…
King David hotel kicked a woman out of a main suite — JD Vance wanted it

King David Hotel Evicts Woman from Main Suite to Accommodate JD Vance

Veep’s Kingly Mideast move A well-connected acquaintance is currently in Jerusalem, mingling…