WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes is apparently biased against Indiana Fever’s star rookie Caitlin Clark. She was reportedly scheduled to do commentary in the game between the Fever and the Dallas Wings last Sunday, but that didn’t happen.
Instead, the NBA TV and Bally Sports Southwest Extra broadcast featured Ron Thulin and Naismith Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman on play-by-play and commentary, and ShaVonne Herndon at courtside.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith said that Swoopes was originally supposed to be part of the commentary team for the Fever-Wings match, but claimed she was removed due to her seeming bias against the 22-year-old point guard.
Talking to Lieberman, who guested on his eponymous “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith opined, “What incriminates somebody like Sheryl Swoopes even more, who, by the way, was supposed to be calling the game with y’all yesterday, and she did not call the game, and no doubt, it had something to do with the fact that how Caitlin Clark had performed early in the week, she didn’t wanna talk about it at all.”
The analyst added, “So we recognize that, and we know on television the way that I do, I know what producers do, I know what bosses do when you see your personal feelings, whatever they may be, infiltrating the proceedings and compromising your position as a professional.”
Smith said Swoopes’ behavior toward Caitlin Clark seemed personal, as seen in instances where she criticized the rookie’s collegiate career, disregarded her impact on the Fever, and even left her name out of the list of the best Fever players.
“Sheryl Swoopes is a winner, she was great, and she’s a phenomenal basketball mind,” Smith continued. “So what she’s not realizing is that when she doesn’t state the obvious, it’s automatically going to be assumed that it’s something personal because we know you know the game of basketball too well to ignore the kind of things that she’s ignoring when it comes to Caitlin Clark.”
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Sheryl Swoopes apologizes to Caitlin Clark, says ‘she likes her game too’
Sheryl Swoopes drew flak from fans who believe she has a personal bias against the Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. The former Houston Comet took to X to respond to the backlash.
After posting a quote from the late Maya Angelou in response to the criticism targeted at her, one fan replied to Swoopes’ post.
“I followed you throughout college and with the Comets; I’ve always been a huge fan and still am, I’m also a Caitlin fan; on your podcast, maybe it would help if people heard what growing up in Texas was like for you. Peace and love from a white guy; I miss you and Comets,” the fan said.
“I appreciate that. Please know that I do not dislike or hate her. I like her game too. It’s all of the ugly fans that I don’t care for. Thank you,” the WNBA legend responded.
Swoopes also shared on X the apology message she sent to Caitlin Clark in February after previously misinterpreting her college stats.
“Hey Caitlin! I wanted to personally reach out to you and say I made a mistake on what year this is for you. Covid year has me all confused,” the message read. “I also have nothing but respect for you and your game and appreciate your skill. Congrats on everything you have accomplished thus far. Be blessed.”
As seen in the screenshots, Caitlin Clark felt there was no need for apologies, but she seemingly appreciated the veteran for reaching out to her. However, the rookie is yet to confirm the legitimacy of this exchange between her and Swoopes.
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