Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever is a sensation, breaking countless rookie records in the WNBA and establishing herself as a generational talent after an incredible NCAA career.
Naturally, this kind of success comes with people from all sides being critical. For Clark, this includes WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes.
Recently, Swoopes has come under fire over comments directed toward Clark, including a call out from a former friend.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 23: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky and Sheryl Swoopes embrace after the game against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena on June 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Quinn Harris/Getty Images
In an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” fellow WNBA legend Nancy Lieberman shared how a phone call with Swoopes about Clark seemingly ended their friendship.
At the time, Clark had just set the NCAA Division I record for most points scored by a player with 3,951 points. Swoopes incorrectly stated that Clark had an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID pandemic.
Lieberman called Swoopes as a friend to correct the error, but things didn’t go as expected.
“Well, she got upset with me on the phone,” Lieberman said. “And I was like, ‘Sheryl, I’m not doing anything to hurt you. I’m just sharing.’ And so our relationship pretty much is not happening at this point. I tried to talk to her at the Final Four, she didn’t want to talk to me.”
“My life’s going to be good or great with or without Sheryl Swoopes in my life,” Lieberman continued, noting that she’d rather have Swoopes in it.
Swoopes soon responded to Lieberman and Smith on social media.
“Now here you go! I get what you trying to do wit ya boy [Stephen A. Smith] but it ain’t working,” Swoopes said. “You know good and well what happened. And ditto … my life is good without you too (and him). You wanna go there?”
Now here you go! I get what you trying to do wit ya boy @stephenasmith but it ain’t working. You know good and well what happened. And ditto…my life is good without you too(and him). You wanna go there? https://t.co/puXmIfjy56
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) September 2, 2024
While there has been plenty of online heat directed toward Swoopes, she recently revealed that she had a conversation with Clark over text messages and apologized to her.
“Hey Caitlin,” Swoopes said. “I wanted to personally reach out to you and say I made a mistake on what a year this is for you. COVID has me all confused … LOL! I also have nothing but respect for you and your game and appreciate your skill. Congrats on everything you have accomplished thus far. Be blessed.”
Was having a convo with two Caitlin fans(actually nice ones) and sent this to them regarding me reaching out to CC back in February. https://t.co/6Kqi3dlHg4
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) September 2, 2024
“No worries at all,” Clark replied. “I really appreciate you reaching out and there’s no hard feelings. I appreciate all you have done for women’s [basketball] and for inspiring girls like me and building the foundation and platform we have today!”
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