WNBA Hall of Famer and current Dallas Wings broadcaster Sheryl Swoopes responded to a fan on X who accused her of being “unfair” to Caitlin Clark with screenshots of alleged text messages.
Swoopes' post on Monday showed three images of her messages with a contact named Caitlin Clark that she said took place on Feb. 5. The first image showed Swoopes apologizing for an inaccurate statement about the length of Clark's college career earlier this year.
“Hey Caitlin, I wanted to reach out to you personally and let you know that I made a mistake in deciding what year this is for you. The COVID year has me completely confused,” Swoopes wrote. “I also have a lot of respect for you and your game and appreciate your skill. Congratulations on everything you've accomplished so far. God bless.”
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The next two messages show Clark thanking Swoopes for reaching out to her and for her contributions to the WNBA, and Swoopes responding to another message proclaiming her gratitude.
Swoopes' apology stemmed from an incorrect statement he made during an appearance on the “Gil's Arena” podcast alongside former NBA star Gilbert Arenas in February. Swoopes incorrectly said Clark stayed in college for five seasons and took more than 40 shots per game while discussing the topic of Clark breaking the NCAA all-time basketball scoring record as a senior in 2023.
But Clark played just four seasons and averaged just 22.7 shots per game on his way to the record. He didn't need a fifth year or even 22.3 shots per game to score the most points of any basketball player, men's or women's, in college history.
Swoopes, who was the first player to be signed to the WNBA with the Houston Commets in 1997, has been removed from her regular position as the Dallas Wings' color commentator for the team's game against Clark's Indiana Fever on Sunday.
Swoopes has sent several responses to posts on X that referenced her previous interactions and statements about Clark since she was removed.
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In addition to the inaccurate statement about Clark's college career in February, Swoopes has made several other comments about Clark that have drawn criticism.
Swoopes recently praised Chicago Sky player Diamond DeShields after a game in which DeShields flagrantly fouled Clark and knocked him to the ground. It was just the latest in a series of controversial fouls the Sky have committed against Clark in their four meetings this year.
Hours after DeShields committed the offense, he posted a screenshot of his notifications list on Instagram, which included a series of hateful comments from one user referencing a spinal cord tumor that DeShields overcame in 2020.
Swoopes wrote, “Cheer up kid! Hate won't get you! You're covered and these evil people can't do anything about it. All the love to you!” in a post on X in response to DeShileds after the Sky's loss to Indiana on Friday.
August 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the second half at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
On an August episode of her “Queens of the Court” podcast, Swoopes did not mention Clark as a reason for the Fever’s recent improvement. Swoopes only praised Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull. However, Clark has been the team’s leading scorer during its winning streak and is already one of the WNBA’s leading scorers.
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith responded to Swoopes' remarks on the episode, saying the Hall of Famer “was crazy to do that.”
“Do you have any idea what you look like in that?” Smith asked Swoopes.
Swoopes responded to Smith as soon as he could in response to X.
“You talk about whoever and whatever you want on your podcast. Right? Why can't I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NO! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition too.”
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During Swoopes' absence from the broadcast booth on Sunday, Clark had 28 points and 12 assists to lead Indiana to its fourth straight win and six in its last seven games. Clark scored her 595th career point, surpassing WNBA legend Tamika Catchings for the most in a single season by a rookie in the NBA. History of feverHe finished with 617 points at the end of Sunday's game.
Clark appears to have broken an all-time record in every game he's played recently.
In Friday's game against the Sky, Clark recorded the first 30-point, 12-assist game in WNBA history and became just the fifth player, and first rookie, to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game. On top of that, Clark now has 12 double-doubles, which breaks the WNBA record for most double-doubles by a point guard in a single season.
WNBA team guard Caitlin Clark (22) leaves the court after the WNBA All-Star Game at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024. (Joe Rondone/La República/USA TODAY NETWORK)
Just three days earlier, Clark had set the record for most three-pointers made by a rookie, surpassing the mark initially set by Atlanta Dreams Rhyne Howard shot 3 of 12 from 3-point range and finished with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists as Indiana earned its 15th win.
That same night, she also became the first WNBA player to record at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in six consecutive WNBA games. It was her 10th consecutive game with at least 15 points and five rebounds, putting her in the elite club alongside Diana Taurasi as players to have reached the mark.
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