Stephen A. Smith labeled a ‘coward’ by WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes for Caitlin Clark remarks in social media tirade

STEPHEN A. Smith has been branded a “coward” by WNBA great Sheryl Swoopes following his controversial comments about her not mentioning Caitlin Clark.

Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the presenter complained that WBNA superstar Clark had been snubbed by some media, calling it “haterade.”

WNBA

Getty

And Smith called out Swoopes by name, noting she talked about Indiana Fever’s improved play without mentioning Clark during a recent episode of her “Queens of the Court” podcast.

“No Caitlin Clark?” Smith said. “Respectfully, Sheryl Swoopes, do you have any idea how that makes you look?

“You have any idea how that serves to stain any kind of critique of Caitlin Clark, because that gives fodder to those who believe she’s being hated on and ostracized to some degree?

“Do you realize that, Sheryl Swoopes, you’re insane to do that?”

Swoopes swung straight into action following those barbs, posting her thoughts on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

“You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. Correct? So why can’t I?” she wrote.

“Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE!

“I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well.”

Swoopes wasn’t finished there. Far from it. The strongest comments were in fact still to come.

“Do you talk about them (or others in the league) and give them their props? I hope y’all take all of this energy to the polls and vote!,” she said.

“@stephenasmith BTW… you new to this, I’m true to this!”

“Not sure what he thought he was doing?… I’m ready to go on his show!! Coward.”

Swoopes is certainly not alone in suggesting that Smith, along with other high-profile pundits, only started giving the WNBA proper attention when Clark burst on to the scene.

Clark’s brilliant performances during March Madness this year, and now with Fever in the WNBA, has seen interest in the sport increase dramatically.

We’re not sure what the next instalment in this Smith v Swoopes feud has in store, but we’re certainly here for it.

Caitlin Clark fever

CAITLIN Clark's impact was already felt by the WNBA even before she was drafted.

The Iowa college superstar went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever in a surprise to absolutely nobody.

The Indiana Fever had 36 of their 40 games in the 2024 season scheduled for national TV – up from 22 last year.

Teams also moved their games against the Fever to bigger arenas to cater for the extra ticket demand.

Clark helped the NCAA draw 18.9 million viewers for the women’s championship game, more than the 14.8 million who watched the men’s decider.

She has also already signed a deal with Nike worth upwards of $20 million.

Meanwhile, Pat McAfee has denied that ESPN ordered him to stop talking about Caitlin Clark on his daily show.

McAfee came under huge criticism for recent controversial comments about Clark, when he called her a “white b***h” and also a “cash cow” during a lengthy rant, for which he apologized soon after.

The presenter said his apology had been accepted by Clark.

“It was all good, no blood, we move forward, and she appreciates us reaching out and apologizing,” he said.

And he now insists that he can talk about any subject when on the air, saying, “ESPN has zero say over my show.”