In a powerful rant, Stephen A. Smith took aim at the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA’s response to her success, accusing the league and its critics of unfairly “white-shaming” her. His remarks come as Clark, a standout college basketball player, was named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year, stirring both admiration and backlash.
Smith highlighted how Caitlin Clark’s influence on the game transcends race, asserting that her success is due to her remarkable talent and leadership. He argued that Clark’s ability to fill stadiums, increase TV ratings, and secure chartered flights for the WNBA—an organization that had struggled with such luxuries—should not be diminished by racial dynamics. Despite Clark’s contributions, Smith criticized the resentment she faced from some within the league, particularly from long-standing Black players, who have been frustrated by the increased attention she has received.
One of Smith’s main points was that the conversation shouldn’t center around race but instead focus on Clark’s undeniable impact on women’s basketball. He pointed out that Clark has never criticized or belittled others for their achievements but has instead used her platform to uplift the sport and support diversity. His message was clear: resentment toward Clark was misplaced, and any challenges Black athletes have faced should not be directed at those who are genuinely helping the sport grow.
Further diving into the racial politics of sports, Smith suggested that some people in the basketball world were uncomfortable with the idea of a white athlete dominating a space traditionally associated with Black athletes. He drew parallels to historical moments in sports when Black athletes broke barriers, noting how similar tensions arose when Black athletes excelled in previously white-dominated sports.
In a poignant part of his commentary, Smith also took issue with Clark’s public acknowledgment of “white privilege.” While he understood her reasoning, he argued that it was unnecessary for Clark to apologize for her race when her performance speaks for itself. For Smith, the focus should remain on the facts: Caitlin Clark is a game-changer who has revolutionized the women’s game, and her success benefits everyone, not just herself.
Smith went on to criticize the WNBA for its long-standing financial struggles, suggesting that the league’s reliance on the NBA’s financial backing meant that its growth cannot be credited solely to the players, particularly the Black women who had faced challenges in building the league.
In the end, Stephen A. Smith’s fiery commentary aimed to shift the narrative around Caitlin Clark’s accomplishments, calling for more appreciation and less resentment. He urged fans and analysts alike to recognize the larger picture—that Clark’s success is about talent, dedication, and her ability to elevate the entire sport, not about the color of her skin.
