Stephen A. Smith Criticizes ‘Immature’ Sheryl Swoopes Amid Caitlin Clark Controversy
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has launched a scathing critique of WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes, accusing her of being “immature” in their ongoing feud centered around rising basketball star Caitlin Clark.
The dispute began when Smith criticized Swoopes for failing to mention Clark during a discussion about the Indiana Fever’s recent success. Swoopes’ omission fueled the narrative that she harbors a bias against Clark, a sentiment that has been circulating among fans and analysts alike.
Smith didn’t mince words in his response, labeling Swoopes as “insane” for overlooking Clark. He expressed disbelief that Swoopes could “accidentally” leave out Clark’s name while praising other players on the Fever. “There is no way in hell that you just accidentally left Caitlin Clark’s name out of that soliloquy that you dropped about the Indiana Fever,” Smith stated, emphasizing the glaring nature of the omission.
In response, Swoopes attempted to justify her actions by claiming she has a “personal relationship” with the players she chose to highlight. She also took to social media, posting several critical comments about Smith on X (formerly Twitter).
However, Smith was quick to counter Swoopes’ explanation, asserting that she missed the point of his initial criticism. According to Smith, his issue wasn’t with the praise Swoopes offered to other Fever players, but with her complete omission of Clark, who has been a pivotal figure for the team.
“Nobody told you to ignore them [other Fever players],” Smith clarified. “What we’re saying [is] if you’re gonna give the Indiana Fever all the credit in the world, how are you gonna mention the Indiana Fever without Caitlin Clark’s name even coming up?”
Smith didn’t stop there. He further condemned Swoopes’ reaction to his critique, calling her response “immature.” He took particular issue with Swoopes’ use of harsh language in her social media posts, where she reportedly called him an “effing coward.”
“All I’m gonna say is, it was pretty damn immature to come back at me like that. Called me an effing coward? Because I called you out for not doing your job? … I mean the bottom line is this: she engages in a level of immaturity. Let’s just call it what it is,” Smith declared.
“Nobody told you to ignore [other Fever players]… if you’re gonna give the Fever all the credit in the world, how are do you talk about the Fever without any mention of Caitlin Clark?”
Stephen A Smith responds to Sheryl Swoopes criticism of his commentary https://t.co/9O0cFf5pQC pic.twitter.com/idYph776kZ
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) September 2, 2024
As the back-and-forth continues, it’s uncertain how Swoopes will respond to Smith’s latest comments. However, given her strong personality and established legacy in women’s basketball, it’s unlikely that she will remain silent. The feud has not only highlighted the tension between these two sports figures but also kept Caitlin Clark at the center of the conversation, further cementing her growing influence in the sport.
