When a rookie is drafted, the expectation is for them to adjust to the league for a couple of years. Many analysts even consider the third year to be the one where the player actually starts to belong in the league. However, with Caitlin Clark, this wasn’t the case. From the moment her name was called as the first overall pick, the weight of expectations on her was huge.

How’s she doing with all the weight of expectations? Well, to say that she is thriving would be an understatement. Such has been her impact and performance since entering the league. From multiple broken records to her merchandise being sold out in mere minutes after launch, her success both on the field and off the field, the CC Effect is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. But has that been enough to prove all the doubters wrong?

Well, if hints are to be taken by the way Sheryl Swoopes has talked about Caitlin Clark, the answer would be no. The whole Sheryl Swoopes and Caitlin Clark saga is nothing new. Ever since her college days, Swoopes has made some comments about CC that many fans have taken as a personal bias against her. From pointing out wrong statistics to acknowledging the whole Indiana squad except Caitlin Clark, the fans believe that there is enough evidence of the bias. 

Although Swoopes has said many times that there is no bias, fans refused to believe it. It has come to the point that even Swoopes has started to address the situation. On the July 15 episode of Gill’s Arena podcast, she addressed the situation while also praising Caitlin’s game. 

She said, “ The best part of her game to me is her passing. Like her ability to see s— before everybody else sees it. She gets the ball where it needs to be. Like I have zero hate for her. I appreciate her game. What I don’t appreciate is all the ugly nastiness that comes with it right?” While she did call out CC’s fans for the alleged nastiness, she did say that she understands the situation. 

“But I do think it’s fair for people to be like, well, Angel’s my favourite player, Caitlin’s my favourite player, A’ja’s my favourite player. Everybody’s gonna have a favourite player.”

Hearing Sheryl Swoopes praise Caitlin Clark’s game must have come as a surprise to her dedicated fans. Sheryl Swoopes may have denied any bias or any lack of respect towards Caitlin Clark’s achievements, but for the fans, there is enough evidence to say otherwise. From misquoted stats to not even acknowledging CC despite her being the best player on the team. Fans cannot be blamed for forming this opinion regarding Sheryl Swoopes. 

Another element that has added fuel to this controversy is Sheryl Swoopes’ continued praise of Paige Bueckers. Sheryl Swoopes has been very vocal about her praise of Paige Bueckers. While it is true that Bueckers is having a record-breaking rookie year, the CC fanbase is quick to notice the irony. They were quick to point out that when Catinlin Clark was having an electric rookie year, all they heard were misquoted stats and dismissive attitudes towards her. But in the case of Paige, Sheryl Swoopes is all praise.

Sheryl Swoopes and Her Controversial History With Caitlin Clark

The Sheryl Swoopes and Caitlin Clark controversy has been dominating the basketball landscape for the past year. In fact, the controversy started even before Caitlin Clark was drafted in the WNBA. It all began with Swoopes’ appearance on former basketball player Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, Gil’s Arena.

During her appearance, Swoopes made some comments that quickly backfired. She dismissed Clark breaking the NCAA scoring record as an ‘illegitimate’ record since Clark was in her fifth year of college due to COVID-19 rules. She was actually in her fourth. Swoopes also claimed that Clark was 25 years old, facing off against 20-year-olds. However, Clark was 22 at the time. Her final comment was about Clark’s shooting frequency. Swoopes alleged that Clark takes about 40 shots per game, while in reality, she was averaging almost 20 shots per game. 

These comments immediately led to heavy backlash and Swoopes even issued an “apology”. However, that wasn’t the end of it. Throughout the rest of the season, Swoopes subtly ignored Clark’s achievements. Even when the Indiana Fever started racking up wins, she was applauding every single member of the team except Caitlin Clark. 

Another serious moment in this controversy came when Sheryl Swoopes was removed from calling the Indiana Fever’s game against the Dallas Wings. While no official explanation was given, fans and some experts alike made the connection that Swoopes’ dismissive attitude towards Caitlin Clark was the reason for her removal. 

With Swoopes finally appreciating Caitlin Clark, there is a chance that this controversy can end.