WNBA Commissioner Makes Blunt Admission About Controversial Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Message

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been in hot water of late. This is after her comments about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese went viral. Unfortunately for her, fans and pundits alike did not like how she responded to a question about the rivalry between the two young superstars.

On Monday, September 9, a video of Engelbert's interview on CNBC's "Power Lunch" was posted online. In it, the commissioner was asked to comment on the rivalry between Clark and Reese. In particular, the program's host Tyler Mathisen asked Engelbert to comment on how the said rivalry has "taken a darker turn, a more menacing turn, where race has been introduced into the conversation."

When asked how she wants to combat the same, particularly with fans of both players engaging in hateful exchanges on social media, the WNBA boss basically stated that these types of intense rivalries are good for business .

Unsurprisingly, Engelbert's hot take was heavily criticized by fans and players alike. So much so, that the 59-year-old was forced to send a letter of apology to the players amid this major controversy.

"I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and simply put, my answer missed the mark and I'm sorry," Engelbert wrote in a letter that was sent to all the players in the league on Friday (h/t Michael Voepel of ESPN ). "I regret that I didn't express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media."

Engelbert then expressed her regret in the manner by which she responded to the question. In her letter, the commissioner admitted her mistake as she stated what she should have said now that she has the benefit of hindsight.

"I should have stated directly and unequivocally that hate speech is harmful," she wrote. "This is a teachable moment and one I embrace with humility. There is absolutely no room for racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere.

"I know many of you have been dealing with it for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the too often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse."

Engelbert is doing everything she can for damage control here. She's taken a humble approach by apologizing and committing to put a more substantial effort in breeding a more inclusive and positive environment in the league.

Whether or not her latest statement will appease the players and the fans, however, is an altogether different matter.

Related: WNBA Sends Strong Message to Caitlin Clark After Making History vs. Aces

Related: Caitlin Clark Fans Rip Sheryl Swoopes After Announcement From Angel Reese's Podcast