ESPN’s resident firestarter Stephen A. Smith is back at it again! This time, he’s sparking yet another controversy by taking shots at WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes—and he’s coming in hotter than a three-pointer at the buzzer. The reason? Apparently, some people just can’t handle the Caitlin Clark show, even though her absence is hitting the WNBA’s ratings like a brick shot.
In his latest tirade on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the ever-outspoken analyst couldn’t hold back when dissecting the recent plummet in WNBA viewership. Without his favorite ‘golden goose’ Caitlin Clark on the court, Smith noticed the ratings have dropped faster than a clumsy mascot. Viewership has fallen by almost 50% since the Indiana Fever star was eliminated from the playoffs. Ouch!
“Let’s be real,” Smith began, with his signature intensity that’s more dramatic than a soap opera villain’s confession. “This young woman was carrying the whole WNBA on her back like a pro wrestler carrying a title belt. And yet some folks—yes, Sheryl Swoopes, I’m talking about you—can’t help but throw shade her way!”
In Smith’s world, Clark isn’t just another player; she’s the lifeline of the WNBA, the one keeping people glued to their screens. And now, with her sidelined, the ratings have nosedived. According to ESPN, via Daily Mail, Game 2 of the first round between Clark’s Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun drew a whopping 2.54 million viewers. But once she exited stage left, the spotlight seemed to go dark for the league. The subsequent semifinal between the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty? A measly 929,000. Minnesota Lynx vs. Sun? Just 650,000.
“Look, Sheryl,” Smith continued, “If you wanna give other players a shout-out, fine! But to not give Clark her due? That’s like praising a symphony without mentioning the conductor. She was elevating the league, putting butts in seats, and getting TVs tuned in. Yet, there are still those who resent her for it? Why? Because she’s doing her thing as a white girl in a predominantly black league? Give me a break!”
Shots Fired…Again
Of course, this isn’t the first time Smith and Swoopes have exchanged verbal jabs like they’re on a WWE Smackdown episode. Back in August, Swoopes stirred the pot by conveniently leaving Clark out of her “impact players” list on the Queens Of The Court podcast. Stephen A., never one to miss a chance to blow things up, didn’t hesitate to label Swoopes’ move as “insane.” The WNBA Hall-of-Famer didn’t exactly take that lying down—she fired back, calling Smith a “coward” on her social media, leaving fans clutching their popcorn.
“Not sure what he thought he was doing? He still in his feelings about MM putting him in his place. I’m ready to go on his show!! Coward,” Swoopes tweeted, as if she were daring him to a duel at dawn.
Smith, being Smith, didn’t hold back either: “Sheryl Swoopes engages in levels of immaturity that would make a middle schooler blush,” he shot back. “All I’m gonna say is, it was pretty damn immature to come back at me like that.”
What’s Next?
So, what’s the takeaway here? Love her or hate her, Caitlin Clark moves the needle. She’s like the WNBA’s secret ingredient, the one that makes the league pop. Without her, the numbers are down, the buzz is gone, and everyone—from Swoopes to Smith—is busy pointing fingers. It’s a mess worthy of its own drama series.
And while Stephen A. has no plans of backing down, it’s only a matter of time before Sheryl Swoopes grabs her proverbial microphone again. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from this ongoing feud, it’s that these two won’t be making up over brunch anytime soon.
What’s Really Going On?
For now, it seems Caitlin Clark’s absence is hitting harder than an accidental elbow to the face. And the league needs to figure out a way to keep viewers invested. Stephen A. Smith has made it crystal clear: the WNBA needs its ‘golden goose.’ Until then, the numbers will keep dropping, the critics will keep talking, and Stephen A.? Well, he’ll keep roasting—because what else is new?
So, Sheryl, ready to fire back? We’ll have to keep our eyes peeled for the next round of this heavyweight verbal smackdown. 🔥💥