"That hater is still trying to tamper after last season": Fans slam Sheryl Swoopes for Kelsey Mitchell remark amid free agency

Hoops fans criticized WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes for her recent comments on Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell. The four-time WNBA champion claimed that Mitchell didn’t receive the recognition she deserved during Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with the franchise.

Speaking on the "Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby" podcast, Swoopes questioned the franchise’s treatment of Mitchell, who is currently an unrestricted free agent.

"Personally, here's where I think (the Fever) didn't do a very good job, and that was with Kelsey Mitchell, who's an unrestricted free agent," Swoopes said. "Because Kelsey Mitchell had a hell of a season this season, and I don't think that she got the credit that she deserved."

Fans reacted strongly to Swoopes' comments, with many social media users criticizing her for seemingly trying to discourage Kelsey Mitchell from re-signing with the Fever.

"Jesus that hater is STILL trying to tamper after last season. She didn’t make enough of a fool of herself I guess," a fan wrote.

"Of course our girl Sheryl Swoopes trying everything in her power to dissuade Kelsey Mitchell from re-signing with the Fever," wrote another user.

"It’s funny bc they were saying how she didn’t deserve to be an all star earlier in the year but now she doesn’t get enough credit. I can’t stand Swoopes tho and I’m from Houston," commented another fan.

"If Swoopes is not going to be happy until Caitlin Clark doesn't have anyone to call a supporting cast, she's in for many, many miserable years watching the WNBA," another X user commented.

"Of course...new podcast and had to mention CC. I'm glad u shared the article and not the clip bc she won't be getting views this way. I wouldn't be surprised if she said NS is who we should focus on. Lol I can't with that woman and all her groupies," said another user.

"From whom did Mitchell not receive credit? I don't understand this narrative. It's such a strawman. Fans and media heads constantly pointed to the key contributions of Mitchell and how we desperately need to retain her. Constant BS all the time," another X user said.

Sheryl Swoopes had earlier hinted at problems inside Fever locker room

During the 2024 WNBA season, Sheryl Swoopes appeared on the "Gil's Arena" podcast, boldly claiming that some players were unhappy being part of the Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fever. However, Swoopes did not provide any player names or evidence to support her statement.

"There's a lot of other s*** going on, that other (Fever) players are like 'This ain't where I want to be,'" Swoopes had said. "So you have players that are very significant on this Indiana Fever team that are like, 'I don't. ... I don't think this is where I wanna be this year.'"

Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell had an outstanding season, playing a key role in leading the Fever to the playoffs. The two-time WNBA All-Star appeared in all 40 regular season games, averaging 19.2 points on 46.8% shooting from the field, including 40.2% from beyond the arc.