The sports world is in chaos after Caitlin Clark’s bold statements about race, privilege, and the WNBA’s struggles sparked a massive debate. Now, Stephen A. Smith has stepped in, absolutely destroying the WNBA and fiercely defending Clark against her critics.
This week, Caitlin Clark made headlines after being named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year. But it wasn’t just her basketball talent that captured attention—it was her candid remarks about race and privilege in the sport. In her Time interview, Clark acknowledged the privilege that comes with being a white athlete in the WNBA. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been black players. This league has been built on them,” she said.
Clark’s honest admission was a powerful moment, but it didn’t sit well with some in the WNBA community. Legendary players like Cheryl Swoopes were quick to throw shade at Clark, questioning whether she deserved the attention and praise she was getting. But that’s where Stephen A. Smith came in—stepping up to defend Clark and tear down the very foundation of the WNBA’s issues.
Stephen A. blasted those criticizing Clark, emphasizing how wrong it is to be angry at someone who is actively improving the working conditions in the league. “How are you going to be mad at someone who’s actually improving your working conditions?” he asked. His fiery response was aimed at those who resented Clark for something out of her control—the chartered flights that were secured for WNBA players after her arrival. For years, WNBA players had been begging for better travel conditions, flying commercial with delays and connections. But two weeks after Clark entered the league, chartered flights were finally put in place. Instead of celebrating this victory, some players resented Clark, as though she caused the WNBA’s long-standing struggles.
Stephen A. wasn’t having it. He pointed out that Clark wasn’t responsible for the systemic issues in the league—she was simply benefiting from privileges that had been out of reach for many. In fact, her success and visibility were actually helping bring attention and resources to the WNBA, something it had been fighting for for decades. “This isn’t about Caitlin Clark or anyone else,” Stephen A. declared. “This is about understanding the system that has been holding back the WNBA for years.”
But the story goes deeper. Stephen A. reminded everyone of how, for decades, the WNBA has struggled for recognition, fair pay, and better working conditions. Players have fought for decent travel, sponsorship deals, and media coverage—all things that Clark’s success is now bringing into the spotlight. Despite the WNBA’s ongoing financial challenges, the league is finally seeing an uptick in ratings, attendance, and sponsorships. And Clark, for all her privilege, is the catalyst driving that change.
Stephen A. made a brilliant point, comparing Clark’s success to the Civil Rights Movement, where white allies joined the cause to advance progress. “You don’t get to choose how progress comes,” he said, emphasizing that when positive change arrives, you should embrace it, no matter who brings it. His passionate defense of Clark went beyond basketball—it was a call for unity in pushing forward women’s sports as a whole.
Moreover, Stephen A. tore down the false narrative that Clark’s rise somehow diminishes the accomplishments of Black players who built the league. “Success in women’s sports is not a zero-sum game,” he argued. Clark’s success doesn’t take away from the legacy of players like Cheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, or Don Staley. Instead, it amplifies their legacies and highlights the contributions of those who paved the way.
In a powerful conclusion, Stephen A. pointed out that the real enemy is not Clark, but the outdated systems that have held the WNBA back. He implored the WNBA community to shift their focus away from misplaced anger and work together to build a better future for the league. He ended by reminding everyone that the history books will remember this moment as a turning point when women’s basketball finally got the recognition and resources it deserved.
Stephen A.’s defense of Caitlin Clark has shaken the sports world, but his message is clear: Progress in women’s basketball should be celebrated, no matter who brings it, because the ultimate goal is equity, opportunity, and respect for all players.
As Stephen A. so powerfully put it, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Clark isn’t just lifting herself—she’s lifting the entire league, and it’s about time the WNBA embraced this opportunity for real change.
Let’s hope the WNBA community listens, because if they do, this could be the moment that shifts the entire landscape of women’s sports for good.
