Staff Reports
In a recent clash of basketball titans, Stephen A. Smith took ESPN commentator Sheryl Swoopes to task for what can only be described as a glaring oversight concerning rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. During Swoopes’ latest podcast, she rattled off praise for several Indiana Fever players, but totally omitted Clark, a rookie who is lighting up the league. Smith couldn’t help but point out this blunder during a video posted on X, and boy, did he do it with flair.
Smith expressed his astonishment that Swoopes, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, could speak about the Fever without acknowledging Clark, who is not just another player but one of the most exciting talents in the game today. Smith quoted Swoopes’ accolades for Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, noting their impressive performances. Yet, he couldn’t let slip the curious absence of Clark from the mix.
“Do you realize Sheryl Swoopes that you’re insane to do that”
Stephen A Smith critiques Swoopes obvious bias against Caitlin Clark pic.twitter.com/kZ6e27BOGi— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 23, 2024
What’s shocking is that this slip doesn’t just undermine Clark’s contributions; it feeds into a narrative that some might consider unfair bias against rising stars in women’s sports. Smith laid it all out—how does a former MVP overlook someone leading the league in assists? This isn’t just an innocent mistake; it’s a narrative bandwagon that could easily lead to accusations of favoritism or even jealousy among pundits who’ve been in the game a while.
Clark’s influence spreads far beyond her rookie status. Smith pointed out that her inclusion in the Team USA Olympic roster would have likely drawn far more fan engagement and boosted attendance. This rookie isn’t just putting numbers on the board; she’s a game changer, a face of the future for women’s basketball. But according to Swoopes, she apparently doesn’t even deserve a mention. Smith’s incredulity doesn’t lack basis—Clark’s popularity is breaking records alongside the Fever. Ignoring her is akin to discussing the Chicago Bulls without mentioning Michael Jordan; it just doesn’t make sense.
In her defense, Swoopes fired back, claiming she was free to discuss whichever players she chose on her podcast. However, the point isn’t that she can’t; it’s that she should give credit where it’s due. While relationships with players are crucial, overlooking one of the league’s standout talents is something even a casual fan might find puzzling. The basketball community deserves a bit more awareness from its veterans; keeping an eye on the future can only benefit all players involved.
As the dust settles on this little spat, one thing remains clear: when talking about the WNBA today, it would be wise to keep Caitlin Clark front and center, or one might just find themselves on the receiving end of a Stephen A. lecture.
