ESPN star Stephen A. Smith is in the hot seat again after he stood up for new Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark, who he feels is treated badly in the WNBA.
While he wanted to back up Clark, his words ended up causing a stir-and made him own up to something: Smith does not go to WNBA games because he doesn’t have tickets.
Fighting for Clark was not enough
The talk started when Smith spoke on his show about what he sees as “resentment” toward Clark from some older WNBA players and those who talk about the game. He said that Clark, even with her top first-year achievements and big role in making the league more known, has been met with hostility rather than celebration.
“They act like there isn’t or hasn’t been legitimate resentment,” Smith said. “But nobody’s fooled here.”
Smith noted the unfair way Clark is treated differs from male players who are hyped early in their careers. He also noted fellow analyst Shannon Sharpe, who has called Clark a must-see and a game changer in women’s basketball.
Likes and dislikes
But, Smith’s remarks did not sit well with all. Some said he is oversimplifying the dynamics within the league and not valuing what the WNBA’s original stars did. And when he said in that same chat that he does not go to WNBA games because ESPN does not providehim tickets… and people took notes.
“I don’t get WNBA tickets,” Smith said. “If I did, I’d go.”
This confession got a lot of attention, mostly because Smith has a big voice and could support women’s sports more. Some said he could just buy tickets if he really wanted to back the league.
Clark’s success halo helps the league
Caitlin Clark is getting bigger and bigger in the WNBA. She arrived in 2024 and has outdone all new players in many ways like scoring and assissting. She has set new highs and brought in more fans and eyes than ever. Yet, her fast climb has made some uneasy. Some think she has been given too much limelight, leaving old pro players in the shade.
Smith defending Clark is part of a wider talk about how the league honors its history while moving forward and managing the new attention Clark brings.
As Clark keeps doing well on the court while she plays, the talk about her off it does not seem to be ending. And while some agree with Smith, his remarks and him not being at WNBA games, show how complex it is to push for change from the outside.
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