Cynthia Cooper calls on WNBA legends like Sheryl Swoopes to support the next generation: We have to bridge the gap

Basketball Hall-of-Famer Cynthia Cooper urged fellow WNBA legends, like Sheryl Swoopes, to be more supportive and guide the younger generation to help them manage the challenges of being professional athletes.

During an episode of “The Mark Jackson Show,” Cooper emphasized that veteran players like Swoopes aiding the current ones would contribute to the growth of the league.

Mark Jackson asked Cooper to comment on the controversy surrounding Sheryl Swoopes' negative remarks about Caitlin Clark, to which Cooper replied:

“It's so incredibly important that we bridge the gap between what's going on today and what we experienced,” Cooper said.

“It will help the younger generation to know our experiences, so that they don’t make the same mistakes, and we continue to soar and grow as a league.”

Catch Cooper's comments at the 29:44 mark of the video below.

Sheryl Swoopes has made headlines for her critical remarks, questioning Clark's influence on the Fever, criticizing her college career and even omitting her name when discussing the team’s top players.

Several ESPN figures, including Stephen A. Smith and Elle Duncan, have criticized Swoopes, noting that it reflects poorly on a basketball legend to belittle a WNBA rookie.

Swoopes' behavior has led to lost broadcasting opportunities. She was initially set to commentate on the Sept. 1 game between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings but was replaced. Smith speculated that it was due to Swoopes’ bias against Clark.

The game was instead called by Ron Thulin and Hall-of-Famer Nancy Lieberman, with ShaVonne Herndon as the sideline reporter on NBA TV and Bally Sports Southwest Extra.

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Sheryl Swoopes claims she has apologized to Caitlin Clark

Swoopes responded to criticism on X (formerly Twitter), addressing claims of bias against Clark, and assured fans she doesn't dislike the Fever rookie.

“I appreciate that. Please know that I do not dislike or hate her. I like her game too. It's all of the ugly fans that I don't care for. Thank you,” she said.

She also shared what she said was an apology to Clark after misrepresenting some of her college stats. Swoopes had previously said that Clark was a “25-year-old playing against 20-year-olds” in college and accused her of taking “about 40 shots a game.”

“Hey Caitlin! I wanted to personally reach out to you and say I made a mistake on what year this is for you. Covid year has me all confused,” Swoopes apparently told Clark.

“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.”

Sheryl Swoopes, widely regarded as one of the greatest in women’s basketball, holds the distinction of being the first player signed to the WNBA.

She's a three-time WNBA MVP and a four-time champion and was celebrated as one of the league’s Top 15 Players of All Time during the 2011 WNBA All-Star Game.