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    Cathy Engelbert. - Source: Imagn
    Cathy Engelbert. - Source: Imagn
    Cathy Engelbert. - Source: Imagn
    Cathy Engelbert. - Source: Imagn

    Cathy Engelbert Takes Firm Stand Against Death Threats Targeting WNBA Stars While Detailing Player Safety Initiatives

    Several players have called out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for her alleged inaction in protecting them from online abuse. The debate surrounding player safety intensified after Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she had received racial abuse and death threats after her altercation with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a game last month.
    During a WNBA All-Star Weekend press conference on Saturday, Engelbert condemned racism, misogyny, death threats and other forms of hate, saying they have no place in the league.

    “With too many players across the WNBA that experience is unacceptable,” Engelbert told reporters. “In many cases, it’s disgusting. The racism, the misogyny, the homophobia, the harassment, and threats directed to our players have no place in sport or anywhere else. This is their workplace. As you all know, because you all cover us, the WNBA is built on inclusion and respect, and those values have defined this league for 30 years. And it will continue to define us for the next 30.”

    Other examples of player hate this season include Las Vegas Aces veteran Chelsea Gray receiving a racial slur from a man and Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud getting discriminatory messages online.

    Cathy Engelbert details some of the strides WNBA has been making to help player welfare

    During the press conference, Cathy Engelbert also revealed that she had long and productive discussions earlier in the week with players about the next steps to diminish player hate. She also detailed the current WNBA player safety initiatives and what the league is working toward.

    “Player safety will always be our top priority. That means every aspect of their experience, whether it’s competitively on the court, physically off the court, or cyber world digitally. We need to continue to create a competitive environment where they can compete aggressively without unnecessary rough play, investing in enhanced security personnel and protocols,” Engelbert shared.

    “Obviously, we’ve done a lot of that. We’ve got charter travel now. We offer mental health resources. We’re leveraging technology, strengthening our policies, taking action to combat online hate, harassment, and threats,” she continued.

    The WNBA will return to regular season action on Tuesday.

    Also Read:

    “An Extraordinary Amount of Incompetence”: Jemele Hill Issues Stern Reality Check for WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Ahead of All-Star Weekend

    “Borderline Manslaughter”: Dave Portnoy Calls Out Cathy Engelbert as he Demands Action for Fouls on Caitlin Clark

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