Four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes is one of Caitlin Clark’s most outspoken critics.
But Swoopes was left speechless during a recent podcast appearance after being asked about the Indiana Fever star comments about her privilege as a white athlete in an interview with Time Magazine after being named Athlete of the Year.
Swoopes, the first player to ever sign with the WNBA, admitted Wednesday on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast that Clark receives the honor was “great” for the competition, but she questioned the criteria for what went into Time’s selection.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever celebrates during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 24, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I don’t think I’m surprised. I’m curious who the other candidates were. But the fact that that’s the very first one WNBA player to ever win Time Magazine Athlete of the Year is pretty special.
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“My question is – just like the criteria – whether it is based on her performance on the field, in which, yes, she has had a great year. Or is it more about the impact she had on the game this season.
“I think it’s great, not just for her. I think it’s great for the competition, right? As everyone talked about the recognition she brought to the W this season, and so for her to be Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year To be Year I.” I think it’s really great for the league.”
Texas Tech alumna Sheryl Swoopes attends Alumni Weekend during a Texas Tech game against Baylor on January 28, 2023 at United Supermarkets Arena. (Image)
CAITLIN CLARK admits he feels ‘privileged’ as a white person, says WNBA is ‘built on’ black players
But Swoopes had less to say when asked what she thought of Clark’s admission in the magazine that she was taking advantage of her privilege.
“I want to say I’ve earned everything, but as a white person I have privileges,” Clark said in the interview.
“A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league is kind of built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies investing in the players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s really important that I have to keep trying to change that. The more we can elevate black women, that will be a beautiful thing.”
Caitlin Clark (22) of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 25, 2024 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. (Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
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When Swoopes was asked about those comments during Wednesday’s podcast, he said nothing.
She seemed to raise an eyebrow and nod before changing the subject.
Swoopes has been criticized in the past for her sharp take on Clark. In September, Swoopes said she didn’t think Clark was “dominating” the competition. Clark was later named WNBA Rookie of the Year.
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