The WNBA began with Sheryl Swoopes, and you can’t take away from that incredible resume, just as you can’t take away from what the current rookie class is doing. But, Swoopes has a big chip on her shoulder when it comes to all things Caitlin Clark. She recently denied the ROTY contender any credit for the record-breaking success Indiana Fever is experiencing from the Caitlin Clark mania. Enter Stephen A. Smith, who has long admired the WNBA legend, as he tried to stop the hate train.

The ESPN veteran addressed the relentless criticism of Clark on his self-titled show. He once again brought out the numbers – viewership and ticket sales that have grown for the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese came on the scene – and said, “I think that what she [Clark] has done for women’s basketball, especially in this country has been phenomenal.”

He proceeded to call out the WNBA veterans, particularly Sheryl Swoopes, who’ve been critical of the No.1 pick of the 2024 WNBA draft. “There is no woman, no matter how great you were as a player, Sheryl Swoopes, there is no woman who should negate mentioning Caitlin Clark and what Caitlin Clark is doing for the game,” Smith said on his YouTube channel.

Smith acknowledged the infamous moment Monica McNutt slammed him on First Take for not talking about women’s basketball enough before Clark and Reese yet he said that the reality is that the WNBA business wouldn’t be booming if Clark was not playing. And he thinks Swoopes should allow the league to benefit from that.

“Sheryl Swoopes, take notes. You ain’t playing no more. You’re a Hall of Famer and a champion and a basketball savant. you know good and damn well, you had no business talking about the Indiana Fever without mentioning Caitlin Clark. Come on, Sheryl Swoopes, come on, you are so much better than that,” was his message to the WNBA legend. However, it doesn’t look like it will make a difference.

Sheryl Swoopes is firm in her opinion

Indiana Fever hit record highs in viewership and fan engagement since the WNBA season returned from the Olympic break. Swoopes praised Fever’s growth on her podcast, Queens of the Court, but drew a line at who is responsible for it. She named Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston for the success but left out the star point guard.

Clark led the team on a winning streak, made a rookie assists record, and boosted the team’s ticket and merchandise sales. The WNBA All-Star game viewership saw a 300% increase in viewership to watch the only two rookies, Clark and Reese, play. Analysts also estimate an increase of 159% in Fever’s social media engagement this year. Clark’s jersey is also among the bestsellers in the league.

Given the proof is in the numbers, fans were infuriated by Swoopes’ snub. Unfazed by Clarks’ defenders, Swoopes hyped her biggest rival Angel Reese in Chicago Sky’s blowout loss. It would be too soon for her to change her opinion about Clark.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.