"She's earned the right": Cam Johnson's powerful endorsement of Napheesa Collier's WNBA commissioner scathing takedown

Napheesa Collier’s scathing remarks about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in early October remain a hot topic. During her exit interview, the MVP runner-up called out Engelbert’s “lack of accountability” and position on Caitlin Clark and the rest of the league’s biggest revenue drivers. The WNBA’s top executive eventually denied Collier’s comments and said there were “inaccuracies” in the reports.

Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson, on “The Young Man and The Three” podcast, tossed in his thoughts about what Collier said (via ClutchPoints):

“She’s earned the right to speak out on what she feels. She’s put in the work. She’s had the accolades. She’s had the success. … I give the women [players] a lot of credit for speaking their minds.”

Napheesa Collier, one of the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA) vice presidents, spoke alone when he blasted Cathy Engelbert. However, she received the backing from the league’s best and most popular players.

Back-to-back MVP A’ja Wilson, who led the Las Vegas Aces to the championship, gave her all-out support to Collier. Wilson ripped Cathy Engelbert’s comments, saying she was “disgusted” by what the commissioner said. Caitlin Clark remarked that Collier made “a lot of very valid points.”

Cameron Johnson joined the Collier supporters when he shared his thoughts on the situation with WNBA legend Sue Bird.

WNBA fans showed their support for Napheesa Collier during Aces’ championship trophy presentation

Where most WNBA fans stand in the conflict between Napheesa Collier and Cathy Engelbert could not be any clearer than on Friday. When Engelbert appeared to give the Las Vegas Aces the championship trophy, boos rained inside the Mortgage Matchup Center.

When Engelbert spoke, sports reporter Sarah Spain tweeted:

“ESPN had to blur/grey the screen multiple times during commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s remarks because of a fan in the crowd flipping double birds at her.”

The fan in question was one of many who flipped Engelbert, an apparent disrespect to her and her position. More than the WNBA and NBA players, the fans are also throwing their support behind Napheesa Collier.

Also read: 3 key takeaways from WNBA’s latest CBA offer amid Cathy Engelbert’s strained relationship with players

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

Know More

Edited by Michael Macasero