WNBA star Napheesa Collier has launched a stunning attack on the league’s leadership.
The Minnesota Lynx forward laid into the WNBA during her media exit interview on Tuesday.
Napheesa Collier has slammed the WNBA for failing to protect its players[/caption]
Collier sat out Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals on Monday after being injured in Game 3[/caption]
Collier, a five-time All Star, accused the league of “self-sabotage” and failing to protect players.
“We have the best players in the world,” Collier said.
“We have the best fans in the world.
“But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”
Collier’s comments follow an incident during the Lynx’s 84-76 defeat by the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.
The 29-year-old injured her ankle in the final seconds after a collision with Alyssa Thomas.
But no foul was given, leading to Collier being ejected from the game for complaining.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve also lashed out at league officials and was also ejected.
Both Reeve and Collier were banned for Game 4, which the Lynx lost 86-81 on Monday to seal their elimination and end their season.
“I want to be clear this conversation is not about winning or losing,” Collier continued.
“It’s about something much bigger. The real threat to our league isn’t money.
“It isn’t ratings or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.
“Since I’ve been in the league you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating.
“It has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity of which it operates.
“Whether the league cares about the health of our players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage.”
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in the statement, responding to Collier’s comments.
How the WNBA works
THE 2024 WNBA season features 12 teams with the regular-season running from May 14 to September 9.
Each team plays 40 regular-season games – four against five teams from the same conference and two teams from the other conference, and three games against the remaining four teams.
The top eight teams in the league standings qualify for the playoffs – regardless of what conference they’re in.
The playoffs will use a best-of-three format in the first round while the semifinals and WNBA Finals are best of five.
This season also includes a month-long break for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Las Vegas Aces are defending back-to-back WNBA champions.
“Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league.
“My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game.
“I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
With the Lynx eliminated from the Finals, the Mercury progress to face the Las Vegas Aces.
Vegas saw off the Indiana Fever in Game 5 on Tuesday after an epic overtime victory.
