Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for canceling a scheduled national radio interview, labeling the move an "absolute coward move." Engelbert withdrew from an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" at the last minute last week, citing advice from the league's public relations team amid controversy surrounding the treatment of player Caitlin Clark.
Portnoy expressed his frustration on X, formerly Twitter, stating that when individuals cite their agents or PR teams as reasons for not proceeding with an appearance, "THEY WORK FOR YOU." He further characterized the WNBA as a "🤡 show" and "Worst run league in the world."
The cancellation occurred during the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Dan Patrick, host of the show, recounted the incident on his program, noting that his team had promoted the interview all week. Patrick suggested that Engelbert and the league would not be taken seriously until they were prepared to address difficult questions.
"Look, I know people get busy, people have agendas," Patrick said. "It was her opportunity to finally say, ‘You can ask me the tough questions.’ I thought this was going to be a good thing for the WNBA."
Patrick's show was reportedly not notified of the cancellation until the interview was scheduled to begin. His team contacted the WNBA multiple times over nearly two hours before receiving what he described as a "feeble" response. Patrick added that tough questions were anticipated and likely played a role in the decision to withdraw.