TV sports and media personality Skip Bayless has caused controversy in the WNBA once more, this time taking aim at Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham in a heated comparison.
On his latest podcast show, Bayless referred to Cunningham as the “new LeBron James,” not because of her on-court skills, but because of what he described as her “shrewdness” in the media realm and her close relationship with rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
Bayless speculated that Cunningham benefits a lot by sticking with Clark, and went as far as to suggest that her loyalty is motivated by “personal exposure” rather than true team loyalty.
“She can really play the game within the game-the social media game, the get-famous game. Has one name Sophie ever benefited from? Caitlin Clark.” Bayless said.
The remark drew instant fire, with fans accusing Bayless of trying to belittle Cunningham’s reputation and her honest love for her teammates.
Cunningham fires back at Bayless
Cunningham did not let that comments slide tht easy. She responded earlier this month to Bayless’s broader accusation that Clark made up her groin injury for attention. Cunningham gave a bitter reply.
“That’s literally bulls—. No one’s lying,” Cunningham told Bayless.
She highlighted the challenge Clark is facing while recovery, citing the psychological and physical difficulties players deal with at the professional level. the sake of every athlete’s respect.
Why is this feud important
The argument between Bayless and Cunningham is more than a war of words. It is representative of broader discussions regarding women’s sport, athlete visibility, and media narratives.
- Visibility for the WNBA: Clark’s dramatic rise has brought unseen levels of visibility to the league, and Bayless’s remarks indicate others are taking advantage of it and “riding her wave.” Those that speak out for Cunningham say she has deserved her own moment in the spotlight.
- Empowerment of the athlete: Cunningham’s swift and unapologetic response is a topic of athletes pushing back against analysts who try to write their script.
- Media culture: Bayless’s career has been constructed on sparking controversy, but his opinion on Cunningham shows how it can spread into greater conversation within women’s sport.
This altercation is perceived by supporters as being as much about respect as it is about competition. Cunningham’s fierce defense of Clark solidifies her position as a good teammate, but Bayless simply continues to spread controversies that keep him in the news.
Whether that becomes another Bayless hot take or an ongoing media-athlete feud will be seen in the future. What is certain is that the Sophie Cunningham-Skip Bayless dynamic has gained popularity at a pivotal moment for the WNBA, with the league experiencing record TV ratings and an unseen mainstream coverage.
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