It’s been three days since Swoopes dropped this bomb about Caitlin Clark not being all that for the Indiana Fever. And ESPN’s Elle Duncan wasn’t exactly thrilled with Swoopes’ take, but hold on to your hats because there’s a twist after her initial disapproval of Swoopes’ remarks. 

Well, Elle Duncan now did a 180 and apologized via her X account for coming down on Swoopes. She tweeted, “I HATE that I’ve sent more vitriol her direction and I’m taking this BIG L! I’ve texted Sheryl the same thing. I will do better! I am sorry.” She also said that her earlier reactions were based on the quotes pulled by the producers in the rundown. 

However, Duncan made it clear that she wasn’t placing the blame on the producers for her comments. Instead, the ESPN analyst hinted towards the research team who should be held accountable along with her. In a reply to one user, she admitted, “This is on me for rushing… for not taking my time and just REACTING. This is MY L.”

Elle Duncan’s recent apology followed her earlier comments on The Elle Duncan Show, where she said, “I love her but she’s wrong here.” Duncan also clarified that she wasn’t disputing Swoopes’ support for Angel Reese in the Rookie of the Year race as Swoopes believes that Reese’s success in leading the Sky to that potential playoff spot warrants this honor. However, she felt that Swoopes’ recent remarks came across as personal criticism rather than constructive.

Well, let’s take a moment to really dig into how significant Sheryl Swoopes’ comments about Caitlin Clark are.

Evaluating Swoopes’ Critique: Analyzing Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever

The whole of this drama started with Swoopes’ statement- “She (Caitlin Clark) is just a passer!” and that Clark hasn’t been very impactful for the Fever. Naturally, Clark’s fans went berserk against Swoopes. Well, that backlash was expected from her loyalists, but let’s look at the bigger picture. 

The Fever finished tenth last season, and now, with Clark on the team for barely a season, they’re about to match that win total. Plus, she’s leading the league in creating points for her team. So, while Swoopes might have a point, it’s hard to ignore the numbers. Even if you look at those individual stats, Clark has killed this WNBA season as she averages 17.1 points every game along with 1.5 assists.

Swoopes remarks also suggested that it’s Katie Lou Samuelson who is actually more impactful for the Fever. Well, again it won’t align with what is there on the tally sheets. Despite playing similar minutes, Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has eclipsed that of her teammate, Katie Lou Samuelson. While both players average 1.5 assists per game, Clark’s scoring prowess (17.1 PPG)  significantly surpasses Samuelson’s (5.1 PPG). Moreover, Clark’s rebounding numbers, averaging 5.8 per game, are more than double of Samuelson’s 2.5.

It’s quite intriguing that Duncan has now changed her stance and has expressed regret for opposing Swoopes. She believes her initial comments were due to a lack of information, and with her apology, she’s taking full responsibility for the misstep.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.