It’s becoming increasingly clear that WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes isn’t as enamored with Caitlin Clark as many others are. Swoopes has made her feelings about the rookie guard known on multiple occasions, and she recently doubled down on those sentiments during an episode of the “Queens of the Court” podcast. In the episode, Swoopes seemingly overlooked Clark’s significant contributions to the Indiana Fever’s remarkable turnaround, sparking widespread controversy.
The perceived snub of Clark did not go unnoticed, particularly by ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who sharply criticized Swoopes for her stance, even going so far as to call the four-time WNBA champion “insane” for her views on the rookie. Despite the backlash, Swoopes stood her ground and responded to Smith’s criticism, but her defiance has only intensified the online uproar against her.
Social media users were quick to express their displeasure, accusing Swoopes of deliberately downplaying Clark’s impact:
“Nah, you’re not about to gaslight us and play victim. You knew what you were doing. How do you not mention Clark’s 26-5-9.5 over two games, which is the main reason why this team is firing on all cylinders 😂. Then you turn around and give a shout out to Angel Reese in the same breath 😂 Stop it!”
Nah you not about to gaslight us and play victim lol.
You knew what you were doing. How do you not mention Clarks 26-5-9.5 over the two games and the main reason why this team is firing on all cylinders 😂.
Then you turn around and give a shout out to Angel Reese In The same…— Martell C Parks (@MrMonies28) August 23, 2024
“You got called out for hating on the white girl, and now you’re tripling down on it, sounding worse. You already looked bad with your comments on Gil’s show. Women just cannot admit when they’re wrong.”
You got called out for (continued) hating on the white girl and now you’re tripling down on it, sounding worse.
You already looked bad w your comments on Gil’s show.
Women just cannot admit when they’re wrong.
— Dre Baldwin | #WorkOnYourGame (@DreAllDay) August 23, 2024
“You 100% should mention the other players, but you purposely avoid mentioning Caitlin. You’re supposed to be a WNBA Podcast, and she just broke the WNBA Rookie Assist Record. We know what you’re all about, Swoopes.”
You 100% should mention the other players, but you don’t mention Caitlin on purpose. You’re supposed to be a WNBA Podcast, she just broke the WNBA Rookie Assist Record. We know what you’re all about Swoopes.
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) August 23, 2024
“Cc retires now and you’ll complain when WNBA games are only shown on tubi😂. Cc made the WNBA relevant, and it’s killing y’all inside. Also, she’s playing great. I feel like y’all gonna crash out on her one day. I get it, y’all don’t like she’s white🤷. Too bad—without her, y’all are on Tubi.”
Cc retries now and youll complain why wnba games will only be shown on tubi😂 cc made the wnba relevant and its killing yall on the inside. Also shes playing great . I feel like yall gonna crash out on her one day. I get it yall dont like shes white🤷🏾♂️too bad without her yall on…
— Jason (@jason23lake) August 23, 2024
“Just be honest about not liking her; then this wouldn’t be an issue. Petty, passive-aggressive behavior like you’re a child at almost 50 😭?”
Just be I’m honest about not liking her this this all wouldn’t be an issue. Petty passive aggressive like you a child at you almost 50? 😭
— jun (@Dreaminof18) August 23, 2024
“I think you’ve missed the point. If you don’t like Caitlin Clark, just say it. There are many professional athletes I don’t like or support, like LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers, but they’re exceptionally talented. It’s the passive-aggressive stuff that grates on people.”
I think you’ve missed the point.
If you don’t like CC, just say it. There are many professional athletes that I don’t like, don’t support (LeBron James, Aaron Rogers)-but are exceptionally talented.
It is the passive/aggressive stuff that grates of people
— Curtis Carson (@CurtisCarson50) August 23, 2024
Despite Swoopes’ attempt to justify her stance, the public perception is overwhelmingly against her, particularly as Clark continues to shine in her rookie season. Leading the Indiana Fever with an average of 17.9 points per game and topping the league with 8.3 assists per game, Clark’s impact on the Fever’s success is undeniable. Whether or not Swoopes acknowledges it, Clark’s stellar performance is making waves, and fans are making it clear that they expect her contributions to be recognized.
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