I’m a WNBA fan, but player antics are an issue for me. The Liberty’s Natasha Cloud is at the top of my list.
I haven’t watched the WNBA since Caitlin Clark has been on the injured list. If that makes me a horrible person, so be it. I may have a reason for it: these players act so entitled that it’s hard to root for them. That’s a turnoff. There have been many examples of that in the W this season.
DeWanna Bonner (photo courtesy WKRN)
Let’s start with DeWanna Bonner. She hated her time with the Indiana Fever so much that she decided she wanted to leave because she couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in front of excellent crowds in Indianapolis. She hated being in the spotlight. She wasn’t happy with her playing time. She mailed it in rather than being committed to the team. She orchestrated her departure to Phoenix, where she can play in anonymity. Here’s hoping she finds happiness there.
Then, there’s Bonner’s wife, Alyssa Thomas, who had the gall to rip fans for booing her. She asked rhetorically how a fan would feel if a player heckled them at their workplace. What she doesn’t understand is that a fan may work in customer service, where they often get taken advantage of.
And how about Diana Taurasi whining about a janitor making more than her in a documentary focusing on her? I understand her concern about WNBA players being underpaid, but trashing a janitor who works hard every day is uncalled for. A blue-collar worker contributes more to society than a professional athlete.
Natasha Cloud (photo courtesy X)
Here at home, we had Natasha Cloud rip Liberty fans for being too hard on the team on Friday. She whined about fans not understanding what the Liberty is going through, given the numerous injuries and the pressure the team faces. Oh, boohoo! This Liberty organization has complained about not receiving recognition from fans in this town and the local media for far too long. Now that they are getting deserved attention, we have players like Cloud protesting too much.
Then you wonder why the league struggles to gain attention with the average person.
I understand Cloud was letting off steam here, and that’s fine, but to rip fans is never a no-win proposition, especially in New York, where fans pay top dollar to watch professional sports. I never understood the mentality of an athlete ripping fans. There’s a reason why the customer is always right. Cloud hasn’t accomplished much in the league to even do this. She just arrived in New York five minutes ago, so it’s interesting why she would go after the fans.
The criticism of the Liberty seems valid. They haven’t been great all year based on merit. Something is missing about this team, and this goes beyond the absence of Breanna Stewart, who is on the injured list with a knee injury. This is a team that gets pushed around too often. The defense gives easy looks and layups.
It’s interesting why the Liberty did not acquire Dijonai Carrington at the trade deadline. She would have given them a more substantial defensive presence. She is known to make a big shot. Most importantly, she would bring them the intensity that this team has lacked this season.
The Liberty celebrated outmaneuvering the Lynx by signing Emma Meesseman. Still, in reality, the Lynx one-upped the defending champions by securing Carrington, who could be the difference maker in leading them to a championship this season.
Some can cite hangover for Liberty’s problems. Some can cite complacency. For whatever reason, this team is not the same as last year. To say this team is going to turn it around in the postseason is easier said than done.
It’s understandable why fans have questions about the Liberty. For Cloud to rip the fans, it’s just not right. There’s nothing to gain by going after the fans, even if she is defending her team.
It shouldn’t have come to that. That’s on the Liberty press relations for letting her go off. I covered the Liberty years ago for a site, and their press relations staff isn’t exactly savvy in stuff like this. It sure seems like nothing changed.
Cloud is a loose cannon who speaks her mind. Sometimes, she is better off just hooping than going after the fans. She can start by knowing how to make a layup in crunch time.
