"Envy is an ugly thing" - Fans blast Sheryl Swoopes for downplaying Caitlin Clark's historic achievement

Caitlin Clark was named TIME Magazine's Athlete of the Year on Tuesday, becoming the first-ever WNBA player to receive the honor. A lot of people congratulated Clark for her historic achievement. But WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes had a different reaction, which prompted fans to her on blast online.

On the latest episode of the "Gil's Arena" podcast on Tuesday, the crew discussed Clark's latest accomplishment. Swoopes, who has a history of downplaying the Indiana Fever guard's game, called it "special." However, she also questioned the criteria for why TIME Magazine awarded it to Clark.

Swoopes thought that A'ja Wilson deserved consideration, while Gilbert Arenas chimed in by mentioning LeBron James, Simone Biles and Katie Ladecky as potential winners as well.

Fans were not happy with Sheryl Swoopes for not having a positive reaction to Caitlin Clark's award. Some even pointed out that Swoopes, as well as Gilbert Arenas, could have congratulated Clark instead of questioning why she won it.

"This is utterly embarrassing on behalf on SS and Gil. Envy is an ugly thing," a fan wrote.

"Man, I try and give SS the benefit of the doubt but F her at this point. All she can say is 'who else was considered.' CC said all the right things and SS sits in silence when asked about it," one fan opined.

"Cringeworthy watching Sheryl and Gil give their analysis on what the W should do to capitalize on money," another fan commented.

Other fans wondered why Sheryl Swoopes just can't seem to give Caitlin Clark her flowers.

"Swoopes knows exactly why Clark won that award, but she can never just congratulate Clark and leave it at that," a fan explained.

"Swoopes swears she don't dislike CC, but she's speaking like a true hater. Always trying to bring up A'ja in every convo that CC is in," one fan remarked.

"Just congratulate her for getting into that stage. Why do you always bring other factors and ask for the criteria??" another fan asked.

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Caitlin Clark is the first WNBA player to win TIME Athlete of the Year

TIME Magazine introduced the Athlete of the Year back in 2019 when it awarded the honor to the United States Women's Football Team for winning the World Cup. They followed it up by giving it to LeBron James the following year for leading the LA Lakers to the NBA Championship amid the pandemic.

Other winners include gymnast legend Simone Biles in 2021, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2022 and football superstar Lionel Messi last year. Caitlin Clark is the second basketball player and the first-ever WNBA player to receive the honor.