Caitlin Clark has finally broken her silence!
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark finally responded to Napheesa Collier’s blunt remarks about the WNBA leadership, especially league commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Notably, during her exit interview, Collier said that the league has the worst leadership in the world. In her statement, Collier also revealed how Engelbert insulted players like Clark got her endorsement deals, alleging that it’s only possible because she’s a WNBA player.
While the Fever guard didn’t give any comment on the Minnesota Lynx forward’s remarks, she came ahead on Thursday, and responded to Collier’s comments. “First of all, I have great respect for Phee. I think she made a lot of very valid points,” the two-time WNBA All-Star said.
“I think what people need to understand is we need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history. This is a moment we have to capitalize on. Phee said it all, and I think the points that she made were very valid.”
Clark added that she hadn’t yet heard about the allegation before Collier went public with it, and added that she hadn’t yet heard from Engelbert about it. In the aftermath of what was said, the league commissioner also responded to Collier’s remarks. Engelbert stated that she was “disheartened” by how the five-time All-Star “characterized” the conversation they both have had.
Caitlin Clark, who was forced to sit out for the remainder of the season with a groin injury on July 15, was asked about the meaning of real leadership. The 23-year-old didn’t give a direct response to it, but spoke generally about the importance of relationships. “For me, it’s all about relationships. That’s the truth,” Clark said.
“I know it’s really hard to say in professional sports, but whether it’s a relationship with your front office, whether it’s a relationship with the commissioner of the league, whether it’s a relationship with your teammates, that’s the most important thing in leadership. Why would my teammates want to listen to me if I didn’t have a relationship with them? I think it’s the most simple thing.”
In her closing comments, the Iowa alum said that she would do everything she can to ensure that the WNBA is a league young girls would be proud to join. “Everybody that’s in a place of power has a true responsibility, and even myself, we have a true responsibility to make sure this game is in a great place going forward with the CBA, and caring for our players and building this league to make sure it’s in a great spot for many years to come.”
Clark added, “You all know I grew up as a huge fan of this league and I’m gonna do everything I can to make this the league that a five year old, a 10 year old, a 15 year old, a girl in college is really proud of to come in to and to be able to put a WNBA uniform on.”
The Fever icon also shared a positive update about her rehab. She said that she feels like being “in a really good spot.” Clark also said that her aim is to be able to play in a five-to-five setting by the end of this month.
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