Napheesa Collier blasts WNBA's Engelbert: 'Worst leadership' - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier blasted WNBA leadership in her exit interview Tuesday, accusing league commissioner Cathy Engelbert of being «negligent» in her governance.

Collier said the league has failed to sufficiently address issues with officiating, compensation for players and the state of the overall product. She also alleged that Engelbert told her in a private conversation that superstar Caitlin Clark and other young standouts «should be on their knees» in gratitude for the platform the league has given them.

«Our leadership's answer to being held accountable is to suppress everyone's voices by handing out fines,» Collier said. «I'm not concerned about a fine, I'm concerned about the future of our sport. At some point, everyone deserves to hear the truth from someone who I hope has earned the benefit of the doubt to fight for what is right and fair for our athletes and our fans.

»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. If I didn't know exactly what the job entailed, maybe I wouldn't feel this way, but unfortunately for them, I do. We serve a league that has shown they think championship coaches and Hall of Fame players are dispensable and that's fine. It's professional sports, but I will not stand quietly by and allow different standards to be applied at the league level."

In a response Tuesday, Engelbert said she has the «utmost respect» for Collier but was «disheartened» by how her conversations with the Lynx star have been characterized.

«My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game,» the statement read. «I