WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes has recently attracted attention not only for her impressive basketball career but also for her critical remarks about Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Swoopes has faced backlash from fans and analysts alike, who have labelled her comments as indicative of a bias against Clark.
On Thursday, ESPN analyst Elle Duncan addressed the controversy on “The Elle Duncan Show,” discussing Swoopes’ criticisms alongside Gary Striewski. However, Duncan issued an apology the following morning.
ALERT*** Elle Duncan CALLS OUT Sheryl Swoopes for her hateful comments on @CaitlinClark22 MUST WATCH! #wnba #feverrising #caitlinclark pic.twitter.com/S5jdGXxnKi
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) August 1, 2024
Background on Sheryl Swoopes:
Sheryl Swoopes, a four-time WNBA Champion and three-time MVP, played for the Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock. Inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2016, Swoopes also earned six WNBA All-Star selections and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. She averaged 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over her 12-season career and has since worked as a color analyst and play-by-play announcer for ESPN and other networks.
Swoopes previously made remarks about Clark on a podcast with Gilbert Arenas. These comments included inaccuracies about Clark’s shooting volume and record achievements. Swoopes claimed Clark took around 40 shots per game (a figure far above her actual average of 20.1 attempts) and suggested that Clark’s record might not be valid due to an extra year played because of COVID-19.
Recent Comments by Sheryl Swoopes:
In her latest appearance on the “Queens of the Court” podcast with Jordan Robinson, Swoopes critiqued Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever, suggesting that the team would still make the playoffs without her. Swoopes expressed that Clark had met expectations but implied that the Fever’s overall talent could compensate for her absence.
Sheryl Swoopes:
“I don’t know if Sky are in the playoffs without Reese”
But Fever are a playoff team even without Caitlin😭
Fever had #1 pick for 2 years for a reason
Also, bringing down other Sky players just to prop up Reese ROTY case. Sick work😭#WNBA #FeverRising pic.twitter.com/544BRcDG7G
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) July 30, 2024
Elle Duncan’s Response:
On “The Elle Duncan Show,” Duncan took issue with Swoopes’ statements, particularly her comments about the Fever’s performance without Clark. Duncan remarked, “Someone did take a loss in the basketball world this week, though. And I love her, but she’s wrong here.” She questioned the motives behind Swoopes’ critique, suggesting it might be perceived as personal bias. Co-host Gary Striewski concurred, describing the situation as a one-sided feud from Swoopes towards Clark.
Caitlin Clark’s Performance:
For the 2024 season with the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark has been averaging 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, showcasing her significant role and impact on the team.
Duncan’s apology comes amid growing debate over the perceived fairness of Swoopes’ criticisms and their implications for Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA.
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