"Regardless of money" - Fever's Aliyah Boston addresses racism in WNBA following controversial comments from Cathy Engelbert

Indiana Fever's young star Aliyah Boston shared her thoughts on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's comments about the Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese rivalry and everything surrounding it. The second-year player is her team's representative in the WNBPA, and she didn't appreciate Engelbert's comments.

"That comment was kind of hard," Boston said Wednesday, per Indy Star. "Honestly. I think when we think about this league and we think about the world in general, like there's no place for racism, regardless of competition, regardless of money that comes into this. I think it's really hard.

"I think what we do, especially as an association, make sure that the players don't feel like there's ever an okay feeling for racists to be a part of it. I think this league is so talented with many different people and that we just have to stick together."

This comes after Engelbert gave a vague response to how she tries to protect WNBA players when opposing fanbases are going as far as engaging in racism and more questionable behaviors to support their favorite player.

She limited herself to comparing the Reese-Clark situation to the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird rivalry in the 80s.

"There's no more apathy. Everybody cares," she said via The Next. "It is a little of that [Larry] Bird-Magic [Johnson] moment if you recall from 1979, when those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two."

She added that sports need rivalry to grow and be relevant, but nothing concise about racism and other forms of discrimination. These comments raised some eyebrows around the WNBA, with some criticizing them.

WNBPA director sent strong message after WNBA Commissioner's comments

In the wake of these comments, WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson issued a statement rejecting Engelbert's comments.

"Here is the answer that the Commissioner should have provided to the very clear question regarding the racism, misogyny, and harassment experienced by the Players," the statement said.

"There is absolutely no place in sport -- or in life -- for the vile hate, racist language, homophobic comments, and the misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media.

"This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked. It demands immediate action, and frankly, should have been addressed long ago."

Angel Reese revealed last week that she's been subjected to racism, sexism and even harassment from Caitlin Clark fans during her rookie season. They both are expected to lead the WNBA for many years and it's sad to see some people taking things too far over a game.