In a fiery outburst, Stephen A. Smith blasted WNBA fans and players for their harsh treatment of Caitlin Clark, calling the criticism unjust and sparking a wave of shock throughout the sports world. (PO)

Stephen A. Smith Calls Out WNBA Fans and Players for Harsh Treatment of Caitlin Clark

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN analyst, weighed in on the recent recognition of WNBA star Caitlin Clark being named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year, making her the first WNBA player to win the prestigious title. The achievement capped off a remarkable year for Clark, who not only had a standout final season at the University of Iowa but also took the WNBA by storm, breaking several league records and earning a spot on the All-WNBA First Team while also winning Rookie of the Year.

During his appearance on The Stephen A. Show, Smith discussed the significant impact Clark had on women’s basketball, both on and off the court, and addressed the harsh treatment she’s faced from some fellow players and fans.

Smith’s Support for Clark’s Impact

Smith began by listing some of Clark’s remarkable accomplishments in her rookie year, highlighting how her presence in the WNBA led to higher ratings, improved travel conditions for players, and increased salaries for women across the league. He pointed out that Clark’s influence was felt beyond just the game and that she had become a powerful force in advancing the visibility and financial success of women’s sports.

“Her presence led to higher ratings, improved travel for players, and increased salaries for women across the league,” Smith said. “And that’s where I was going to go. That’s why she deserves the Athlete of the Year.”

Addressing the Criticism Clark Faced

Smith then pivoted to the criticism that Clark has faced, specifically referencing the challenges she has encountered in terms of acceptance from some fans and players. He acknowledged that some people have been reluctant to fully embrace Clark’s success due to the fact that she is a white player making waves in a league historically dominated by Black athletes.

He continued, “You know what? She’s white. … Call it whatever you want. I’m not going to go as far as to say reverse racism. I don’t think people felt that way. But clearly, when you consider some of the hard times other people gave her, they were resentful of the fact that this white girl came on the scene where there was a bunch of sisters that preceded her spanning decades who were big time and deserved a lot of credit.”

Clark’s Dedication to the Game and Her Peers

Despite the challenges, Smith emphasized Clark’s commitment to being a great ambassador for the game. He mentioned Clark’s efforts to improve conditions for other players, particularly her advocacy for opposing teams to get paid more when the Indiana Fever games sold out. Smith also highlighted Clark’s public support for Black players in the WNBA, with Clark herself stating in an interview with TIME that she wants to shine a spotlight on the Black athletes who helped build the league into what it is today.

“What a lot of people weren’t willing or were a bit reluctant to appreciate was the game on this young white sister of ours,” Smith said. “She can ball. And oh, by the way, she was a great ambassador for the game. And by the way, she came in there and looked out for everybody else.”

Standing Up Against Racism

Smith also praised Clark for speaking out against racism and prejudice, particularly when some of her own fans engaged in discriminatory behavior. He noted that Clark stood firm against such actions, using her platform to defend her peers and promote inclusion within the sport.

“Clark won’t be back in action until May 17 when she and the Fever will tip off the 2025 WNBA season with a home game against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky,” Smith concluded, underscoring Clark’s continued influence in the game.

A Call for Unity and Recognition

Smith’s passionate monologue serves as a call for unity in the women’s basketball community and a reminder that recognition should go beyond race or background. Despite the backlash, Caitlin Clark’s achievements are undeniable, and her impact on the WNBA has been transformative in terms of visibility, player conditions, and fan engagement.

As the WNBA continues to grow, Clark’s role in shaping the future of the league cannot be overstated. With Smith’s strong endorsement of her contributions, it’s clear that Caitlin Clark has earned her place as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball, deserving of both recognition and respect.