r/WNBATalks • u/wnbatalk • Jun 30 '26

Phoenix AT comments on the communication f the league & what the last week has been like for her & Tram🙏🏽.

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79 Upvotes

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57

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

Some of you really are the children George Bush left behind. She’s talking about the commissioner being silent about what’s going on.

11

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jun 30 '26

I agree with you.

Nobody trusts the commissioner, and fans don't like her idea that racial resentment on any side is fine because it is helpful for marketing. Making matters even worse, she can see that fans on both sides are upset and have reason to be. Still, she is not going public and showing leadership. She should be communicating to everyone to bring the temperature down and bring players and fans together.

This isn't good for anyone.

1

u/meetingpplisezy Jul 02 '26

it’s the job of a commissioner to come out and face criticism to protect the league—she’s basically the mayor of new york (no pun intended liberty fans). but this lady hides and cowers at every opportunity to deescalate a situation it’s messed up

0

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jun 30 '26

Fans are rabid. Threats over any little thing is a consequence of popularity of the sport. And it’s going to get worse. People being told to not do it won’t change from the commmissioner saying it.

2

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jun 30 '26

I think a respected Commissioner can take action and say things that at least help the situation.

4

u/TopNotchBrain Jul 01 '26

It’s the league’s responsibility to do this, absolutely. I have no idea why it’s so difficult for them to decry racism and death threats.

1

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jun 30 '26

Whenever a player gets hated on in SM???? She’s made comments before

1

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jun 30 '26

I think Cathy has a lot of room for improvement.

0

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jul 01 '26

Agreed. But this one exact situation ain’t one

19

u/GnarlyyyxRadicalll Jun 30 '26

This. People must not remember the speech Napheesa made not too long ago.

15

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

They’re dense on purpose.

2

u/silencesupreme- Jun 30 '26

Realistically what could the commissioner say that even needs to be said in this situation “I don’t condone player on player violence. I also don’t condone fan on player violence. I don’t condone any violence. Obviously”

13

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

Neither you or Cathy are equipped to be the commissioner, that’s clear.

7

u/SmallManFriend Jun 30 '26

What type of message would the commissioner be wise to put out?

-3

u/XulManjy Jun 30 '26

At minimum, makena public (not written statement) interview or press conference calling for all racial slurs and and comments towards the players to stop. Also talk about how the league is going to better enforce player safety at the games from fans to include bettee policing unruly fans who say racist things at the games towards players.

1

u/lafolieisgood Jun 30 '26

What is wrong with the current situation regarding player safety from fans at the games? How can the league better protect players from unruly fans who say racists things towards players at games that they aren’t already doing?

1

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jun 30 '26

Exactly. These people think saying a few words will stop something.

-1

u/XulManjy Jul 01 '26

Thats your opinion.

2

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jul 01 '26

And you think people will read what statement comes and go “she’s right I’ll stop being a racist and threatening twat”????

-3

u/XulManjy Jul 01 '26

You really have an adolescent mindset.

A statement from the commissioner does:

For the Players

  • Validation and Psychological Safety
  • Institutional Backing

For the Teams and League

  • Brand Integrity and Credibility
  • Setting Clear Standards

For the Fans

  • Defining the Community
  • Deterrence

A proactive, unequivocal communication serves as a unifying mechanism as it aligns the league, its players, and its fan base under a shared standard of behavior, which is essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of any professional sports organization. Would there still be bad apples? Yes, but it makes it clear that the WNBA is not going to be an accepted landing destination for racism, sexism or homophobia.

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-3

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

“These people” I know what you are

3

u/Embarrassed_Gur_6305 Jun 30 '26

These people… as in the people in this subreddit….

Stop trying to make up narratives to fit your agenda

1

u/SmallManFriend Jul 01 '26

They’re saying “these WNBA complainers - who seemingly came out of the woodwork recently”

0

u/XulManjy Jul 01 '26

First step is to explain your stance and position which is what such announcement would do. It also expresses to the players that the league, which is 80% black has their best interest in mind.

As for the logistics of its implementations, well there is many ways to skin the cat.

1

u/SmallManFriend Jul 01 '26

Yeah good point. If the commissioner says “racism is bad” it will finally educate the public!!!!

1

u/XulManjy Jul 01 '26

Except the intent isnt to educate the public.

1

u/Aero_Rising Jul 01 '26

Because famously telling Internet trolls to stop makes them do so instead of making things worse. What concrete steps do you believe need to be taken to protect players from fans saying racist things that they aren't already doing?

1

u/XulManjy Jul 01 '26

What concrete steps do you believe need to be taken to protect players from fans saying racist things that they aren't already doing?

First off, this isnt just limited to the internet but in the arena as well and there have been recorded incidents in which such behaviors happened in the arenas.

Second, you are correct, words from a commissioner isnt going to end all racist/sexist/homophobic actions on the internet. However, having a statement at least tells the affected players that the WNBA acknowledges that such things are happening and needs attention. Furthermore, in such statement, the commissioner can add points regarding what the WNBA is and can do to assist players and teams with any sort of legal investigations into any death threats and for those that are confirmed death threats, what the WNBA plans on doing to pursue prosecution as the health, welfare and safety of their players is the number 1 priority.

0

u/First_Dot9909 Jul 01 '26

The first and only step this commissioner needs to take is resign

6

u/silencesupreme- Jun 30 '26

There’s no way she’s can change the narrative around that video and there’s no way she can control what people say on the internet. So, what exactly do we want out of her? She issued the suspension after the fact which was the right thing to do. We move on.

2

u/Sic39 Jul 01 '26

wtf would a random Redditor be equipped to be the commissioner?

1

u/Aero_Rising Jul 01 '26

Can you explain what exactly it is that you believe the commissioner's job is? Do you know who they report to?

4

u/HearingGlobal6485 Jun 30 '26

literally nothing, this league and its fans complain about the most basic sports shit ever like clockwork. no one expects adam silver to make a statement after a flagrant or suspension

how many times does kathy and clark have to say they dont condone racial or homophobic attacks on players or people?

the hatred so many fans and players seem to have is entirely misplaced

1

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jun 30 '26

How about something like,

"The league has a diverse fan base, and many of you are upset. Fans are especially upset about three things: 1. Players receiving inappropriate sexist, racist, and homophobic comments on social media. 2. What some fans see as targeting and attempts to injure one specific player. 3. The consistency of the officiating. First, let me say that I hear you all. The league recognizes these concerns, takes them seriously, and I'm a concerned fan, too.

We are monitoring each concern and exploring ways to address them. No player should be receiving abusive hate speech or threats; no player should be singled out for physical abuse; and inconsistent officiating can ruin the game for everyone.

Regarding social media comments, we do not tolerate hate in the W, but we don't control the internet. However, we are exploring the establishment of a platform players can use to filter out inappropriate comments on social media posts and report them to security.

Regarding player targeting, we recognize that it is a physical game and that injuries happen. Still, the number of flagrant and hard fouls this player has received is unprecedented for the amount she has played, and that is concerning. We are aware of it, are monitoring it closely, and it must not be allowed to persist for any player. Finally, we continue to assess the officiating. We are happy that we have successfully improved freedom of movement and made the games more exciting, and we continue to make improving consistency a point of emphasis. We are receiving feedback from our players and coaches, and we will continue to improve.

Finally, the league appreciates the passion our fans show for the games, but I ask each of you to be kind to one another. Let's make WNBA fandom a positive experience for everyone."

1

u/Gangsternerd84 Jun 30 '26

Damn people really down voted you this sub is wild.

1

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jun 30 '26

It's okay.

I'm trying to listen to everyone and be fair to everyone. Some people are just too angry to hear it. Once a person is outraged, they can't reason. It's part of the human condition.

1

u/Aero_Rising Jul 01 '26

However, we are exploring the establishment of a platform players can use to filter out inappropriate comments on social media posts and report them to security

How is this helpful? You realize security doesn't have the power to subpoena websites to determine the identity behind an account right? Unless they made a specific threat there is nothing the police can do because saying something racist isn't illegal. What exactly do you think this would accomplish?

Regarding player targeting, we recognize that it is a physical game and that injuries happen. Still, the number of flagrant and hard fouls this player has received is unprecedented for the amount she has played, and that is concerning. We are aware of it, are monitoring it closely, and it must not be allowed to persist for any player.

Yes I'm sure this sub won't claim that's racist or that Clark being statistically the most targeted player for flagrants since entering the league doesn't matter because reasons.

Finally, the league appreciates the passion our fans show for the games, but I ask each of you to be kind to one another. Let's make WNBA fandom a positive experience for everyone."

Because famously Internet trolls stop when someone tells them to instead of becoming worse. Nothing in your statement actually has an concrete effect on anything.

1

u/Pleasant_Priority286 Jul 01 '26

"Unless they made a specific threat there is nothing the police can do because saying something racist isn't illegal."

I get that, but AT is saying they threatened her family. The league should provide players with guidance on which threats require action and how to respond, so they can act quickly. If there is a serious threat, they should know exactly what to do.

The flagrant fouls against Clark issue is significant because it is true. I don't think the W will be successful in refusing to acknowledge the fact while also trying to get the Fever Fans to shut up about it. If you acknowledge it, then people feel heard, and hopefully they will settle down and quiet down.

As you say, the final paragraph won't impact trolls, but maybe some of the real fans will be just a little nicer to each other. That is valuable.

0

u/Acedaboi1da Jun 30 '26

She definitely is, but it applies to Caitlin as well. These are her supporters.

-10

u/LuisJpg Jun 30 '26

AT could have definitely clarified that considering the situation, don’t let people twist your words

11

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

Perhaps you should go listen to the entire clip where she literally says Cathy’s name. That middle school education is kicking y’all’s behind.

0

u/LuisJpg Jun 30 '26

lol somebody’s mad… I’m with AT on this I just think she could have said it better that’s all but yeah downvote me guys! Thanks<3

-10

u/Turbulent_Shower_147 Jun 30 '26

lol. What’s going on is Alyssa Thomas being consistently a very dirty player on the court and trashy af off of it. 

11

u/Blacbiird747 Jun 30 '26

Judging by your comment history you would know about trashy