Stephen A. Smith Joins Chorus Of People Calling For WNBA Commissioner To Resign

Watch Stephen A. Smith Joins Chorus Of People Calling For WNBA Commissioner To Resign - Rizzle on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00Stephen A. Smith joins chorus of people calling for WNBA commissioner to resign.

00:07There has been no shortage of complaints about WNBA commissioner Kathy Engelbert

00:11since the league began seeping into the national sports consciousness

00:14following the addition of stars like Caitlin Clark and, well, Caitlin Clark.

00:18On Tuesday, Minnesota Link star Nafisa Collier, co-founder of the unrivaled basketball league

00:24and the vice president of the WNBPA's executive committee,

00:27exposed a conversation she had with Engelbert earlier this year.

00:31Her response was,

00:33Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court

00:36because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything.

00:41Following Collier's remarks, Sports Business Journal claimed Engelbert might exit

00:45as commissioner post-CBA negotiations due to internal pressure.

00:49A WNBA source refuted this, calling the notion categorically false.

00:54Engelbert, addressing the matter, stated,

00:56I have utmost respect for Nafisa Collier and all players.

01:00She emphasized shared efforts in transforming the league and ensuring its future.

01:05Although disheartened by Collier's portrayal, Engelbert's dedication remains firm.

01:10Complaints against Engelbert include Phoenix Mercury star Sato's concerns over schedules,

01:15veteran Brittany Sykes' criticism of unfulfilled flight promises,

01:20Link's coach Cheryl Reeves' officiating grievances,

01:22and the Connecticut AG's scrutiny of the Sun's sale.

01:25After all of that, and more,

01:27Kathy Engelbert's statement responding to Nafisa Collier's remarks

01:30were simply not good enough for her critics,

01:33especially Stephen A. Smith,

01:35who lambasted the WNBA commissioner on Wednesday's episode of First Take.

01:39He outrightly suggested Engelbert should resign,

01:43deeming her response weak.

01:45Smith underscored how alarming it was for a commissioner

01:47to not defend herself against public criticism from a prominent player.

01:51Her failure to adequately respond was seen as an affront to her leadership and character.

01:57Stephen A. Smith reached out to the WNBA,

02:00inviting Kathy Engelbert to appear on his show to defend herself.

02:03He expressed disbelief at the lack of response, remarking,

02:07You are welcome to come on my show today and explain.

02:10Drawing parallels to other commissioners like David Stern,

02:13Smith was astounded by her tepid response and declared,

02:16Oh, she looks guilty as hell.

02:18This criticism led to questioning whether Engelbert should represent the league at the negotiating table.

02:24The WNBA's stance on Smith's critique and suggestions remains uncertain.