Caitlin Clark Award Mention Led to Awkward Silence From Sheryl Swoopes
The Caitlin Clark, Sheryl Swoopes saga has been an odd subplot of the WNBA season. Swoopes, a women's basketball legend, has come under fire for the way she has discussed the Indiana Fever star.
This dates back to before Clark was even in the pros, as Swoopes caught some heat for erroneously stating that Clark broke the NCAA scoring record by playing more years than Kelsey Plum did.
Recently, Swoopes notably didn't mention Clark at all when crediting the Fever for their improved play of late, which led to Stephen A. Smith dubbing her "insane" for said omission.
Well, Sheryl was silent about Caitlin again, but this time while she was doing commentary during the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces game.
When the play-by-play announcer mentioned that Napheesa Collier and Clark had won Player of the Week for the Western Conference and Eastern Conference respectively, Swoopes didn't have anything to say. Her partner made mention of Clark winning and appeared to lay out in order to get Swoopes' thoughts, but after several seconds of awkward silence, he picked back up the commentary.
Sheryl Swoopes goes completely silent for 50 seconds as her co-caster talks about Caitlin Clark winning player of the week pic.twitter.com/CEeoSduczG
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 28, 2024
There's no way to know if this was intentional on Sheryl's part or will simply be blown up due to the circumstances. However, her silence certainly won't silence fans who feel as though Swoopes has slighted Clark in her analysis.
Swoopes did not deny deliberately leaving Clark out of her previous take when responding to Smith. She posted this in response to the viral clip from SAS. "You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. Correct? So why can't I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well."
You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. Correct? So why can't I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well. https://t.co/bRmORD7JaY
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) August 23, 2024
While this topic has already probably consumed more energy than it is worth, it is worth pointing out that Swoopes is discussing the WNBA in an official capacity in many of these instances. Her "Queens of the Court" podcast is presented by the league and she was on the call for a game in the clip above.
Regardless of her intentions, one thing has become clear. Swoopes went from having a lot to say about Clark, to nothing at all.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!