Napheesa Collier didn’t hold back on Tuesday. Reading from a prepared statement, the Minnesota Lynx star revealed private conversations she had with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, which painted the latter as a leader unwilling to take accountability. Collier spoke for over four minutes, touching on everything from Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league to what she sees as ongoing issues with officiating. Her comments came in the aftermath of her own injury, Cheryl Reeve’s heated outburst at the refs, and the biggest fine in league history that followed.

And now, after this whole exposé, Cheryl Reeve has given her full support to her star player. While talking to the media about Napheesa’s comments, Cheryl Reeve said, “Phee’s voice is an important one. I’m proud of Phee… Who Phee has become as a player and person in this league is important.” 

Major things Collier said- 

• “We have the best league in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now, we have the worst leadership in the world.”
• “Not one call, not one text. Instead, the only outreach has come from her No. 2 telling my agent that she doesn’t believe physical play contributed to injuries. That is infuriating. It’s the perfect example of the tone deaf, dismissive approach that our leaders always seem to take.”
• “We serve a league that has shown they think championship coaches and Hall of Fame players are dispensable”.
• “Her (Cathy’s) response was, ‘Well, only the losers complain about the refs.“
• “Her (Cathy’s) response was, ‘(Clark) should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’ And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”

Collier explained that she had initially aimed to handle her concerns behind closed doors, but felt compelled to go public because “it’s clear there’s no intention of accepting there’s a problem.” Her statements reverberated across the league, drawing a response from Engelbert, who described herself as “disheartened” by Collier’s portrayal of their discussions.

Also, besides Reeve, the Lynx teammates completely backed Collier, and they even knew what Collier was going to expose, as Alanna Smith said. The message gained even more traction as players like Dijonai Carrington and Kayla McBride reposted Collier’s comments on their Instagram stories.

Support poured in from beyond Minnesota as well, with Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby expressing gratitude, writing, “thank you for your bravery.” Angel Reese wrote, “10/10. No notes!” while Erica Wheeler said, “Phee National Holiday today”. 

In her speech, Collier had also criticized Engelbert for missing the “human element.” Echoing that sentiment, two-time MVP Elena Delle Donne shared on Instagram that she never heard from Engelbert after retiring in 2023, writing, “I am still not sure if Cathy knows I retired. Heard from everyone but her.”

So, yes, Reeve, her teammates, and all the other players – everyone is standing with Collier. While speaking up might come with consequences, as Collier herself admitted, “I’m sure they’ll fine me. I mean, it seems like anything with free speech is fined now,” she is not going to back down anymore.

After all, it has to hurt that the coach who stood up for her against everyone was given such a hefty, almost unreasonable punishment. Collier’s private conversation, at least, might have stayed under the wraps had it not been for that.

Caitlin Clark Declines to Comment After Napheesa Collier’s Revelation

Remember the Caitlin Clark revelation Collier made? Well, after that, many fans were waiting for a response from Caitlin Clark. However, in her trademark fashion, CC declined to comment on this. “Via the Fever: Caitlin Clark has no comment on this statement,” Alexa Phillipou reported via X.

Lexie Hull, however, did chime in. “I think I agree with everything [Collier] said,” Hull said, per Phillipou. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that and really proud of her for making that statement today.”

Meanwhile, Stephanie White, who had just been fined herself for defending Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s criticism of league leadership, offered a measured response. “I have a lot of respect for Phee,” she said. “I’m thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change.”

Let’s see where things go after this. What do you think? Will the league fine Napheesa Collier as well?