The WNBA is facing a turbulent situation, described as its “darker, more menacing” side coming to the forefront. This has been sparked by recent comments made by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert regarding the rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Engelbert’s remarks have stirred up reactions on social media, with users offering both strong criticism and some support. Dan Dakich, a former player and ESPN analyst, shared his perspective on the issue during a segment of his YouTube show, *Don’t @ Me*, on the *OutKick* platform. Dakich discussed the backlash faced by the WNBA Players’ Association (WNBPA) following Engelbert’s comments and pointed out certain difficult truths in the league’s history.
Dakich suggested that some of the difficulties faced by the players stemmed from within the league itself. He specifically mentioned that much of the adversity was initiated by the players, coaches, and even the Players’ Association, adding that they had allowed and perpetuated the issue. While Dakich criticized the WNBPA, he also referred to a comment from Cheryl Reeve, the coach of the Minnesota Lynx and the USA Women’s Basketball National Team, who criticized the WNBA for airing Caitlin Clark’s preseason debut without doing the same for her team on the League Pass.
Dakich further discussed the tensions surrounding Clark and how some of her peers might feel about the attention she receives. He referenced Indiana Fever rookie Chennedy Carter, who had previously expressed frustration when ESPN ranked Clark higher than her. He also mentioned an incident during a game between the Fever and the Sky when Carter knocked Clark to the ground with a hip-check, which was initially called a common foul but later upgraded to a flagrant one by the league. Angel Reese, who was on the bench at the time, applauded Carter’s actions. Reese also fouled Clark later in the game while attempting to block a shot, hitting her on the head.
Dakich argued that while Caitlin Clark is at the center of much of the criticism, the WNBPA executive director, Terri Jackson, shared a lengthy statement criticizing Engelbert’s response. Jackson’s statement argued that the issue was not about rivalries or personalities but required immediate action and should have been dealt with sooner.
Dakich acknowledged the presence of discrimination in sports and media, suggesting that criticism is inevitable for athletes, no matter how much people claim there is no place for it. Cathy Engelbert’s attempts to clarify her stance on social media also failed to resonate with many fans. She referenced the historic rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, stating that rivalries are important because they attract viewers and create games of consequence. Engelbert clarified on social media that there is no place for hate in the WNBA or elsewhere, but this message seemed to come too late to have a positive effect.
In summary, despite the efforts to address the controversy, many feel that the situation remains unresolved, and Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continue to be caught in the middle of the ongoing drama within the league.
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