"Sue Bird should replace Cathy Engelbert as commissioner" - Fans react candidly to WNBA legend's affirmative remark on physicality

WNBA fans reacted to Sue Bird's remarks about the discussions about the physicality in the league and how the officials are handling it. Some even thought that Bird should replace Cathy Engelbert as commissioner. Bird has been retired since 2022 and will enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year.

Speaking on her "Bird's Eye View" podcast, Bird opened up about the criticism of the physicality in the WNBA. The Hall of Famer explained that she's not against the physicality like the majority of players. They are just doing what the officials are allowing, so it's up to the league and refs to make the adjustments.

"Yes, this is a physical league like yeah, it's a grown woman's league, like yeah, you got to be ready for it," Bird said. "And the only reason why I want to bring that up is because while it's true that we have defended the physicality, it's not true that it's because we want it to be that way or like it that way. I think for a really long time it's something we've talked about, but when the refs do ref the game and allow physicality, we're kind of just playing in it. And of course, what refs allow, you're going to take, and that's really what you're seeing in our game."

WNBA fans reacted to Sue Bird's comments and many agreed with her take. One fan even thought that Bird, looking at the issue from both sides, is qualified enough to become the next commissioner.

Michael

@mikeaalen112735

LINK

Imo Sue bird should replace Cathy engelbert as wnba commissioner. She played in the league, knows business , and is widely respected. I know she’s part owner and that would need to be worked out . 🔥🔥🚨

allison

@_girltalk

LINK

Sue Bird’s platform is so necessary in the W because she’ll talk about the quiet parts — but say them loudly.

They will continue to play physical because the refs allow it… But most players would rather just be able to play good basketball.

Lauren 🤟🏼

@Lauren_UK1

LINK

I find Sue to be very balanced in her takes and this one interesting.

“Playing within what the ref allows”

Every unbiased person can tell you there is an issue with physicality in the league which starts with the refs.

But the people who can change it dont see it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Nicol𝐞꒱ 🏳️‍🌈🌈

@NicoleGulino1

LINK

I'm glad she told the truth on that for once

ericaf455❤️💛💙🤍

@ericaf455

LINK

Sue is smart…be like Sue!

Shira

@shiradotnet

LINK

I'm glad Sue has the courage to speak out about this. Yes, historically it has been this way. But today the league needs to look to the future, not the past. Parents in the audience with their children aren't going to enjoy seeing concussions, broken teeth, punctured lungs.

The physicality in the WNBA was brought to the spotlight after what happened between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever two weeks ago. Caitlin Clark and Jacy Sheldon were going at it the entire game, with Clark getting hit in the eye in the second half, which caused a mini-melée.

With less than a minute left in the game, Sophie Cunningham had a hard foul on Sheldon, which led to an even bigger scuffle. Fever coach Stephanie White was very critical of the referees, who had failed to maintain control of the game.

---

Sue Bird to get honored with statue outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle

Sue Bird is to get honored with a statue outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. (Photo: IMAGN)

Before she gets inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, the Seattle Storm is set to honor Sue Bird with a statue of her outside the Climate Pledge Arena on August 17. She'll join Seattle SuperSonics legend Lenny Wilkens as the only players with statues outside the Arena.

Bird played her entire 20-year career with the Storm, winning four WNBA championships in 2004, 2010, 2018 and 2020.