Veteran ESPN analyst claims Sheryl Swoopes' personal bias against Caitlin Clark led to commentary exit

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes was reportedly set to commentate the game between Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and the Dallas Wings on Sunday. However, Stephen A. Smith claimed she was replaced due to bias against Clark.

The NBA TV and Bally Sports Southwest Extra broadcasts featured Ron Thulin and Naismith Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman on the call, with ShaVonne Herndon on the sideline.

Smith said Swoopes was originally supposed to commentate the game but was removed due to her criticism of Clark.

“In my opinion…what incriminates somebody like Sheryl Swoopes even more, who, by the way, was supposed to be calling the game with y'all yesterday, and she did not call the game, and no doubt, it had something to do with the fact that how Caitlin Clark had performed early in the week, she didn't wanna talk about it at all,” Smith said on the Stephen A. Smith show with Lieberman as a guest.

“So we recognize that, and we know on television the way that I do, I know what producers do, I know what bosses do when you see your personal feelings, whatever they may be, infiltrating the proceedings and compromising your position as a professional.”

There have been several instances where Swoopes either undermined Clark’s impact on the Fever, criticized her collegiate career, or even omitted her name when listing the Fever’s best players.

Smith said Swoopes’ behavior seemed personal, as she, being a WNBA legend herself, should acknowledge the obvious.

“Sheryl Swoopes is a winner, she was great, and she's a phenomenal basketball mind," Smith said.

"So what she's not realizing is that when she doesn't state the obvious, it's automatically going to be assumed that it's something personal because we know you know the game of basketball too well to ignore the kind of things that she's ignoring when it comes to Caitlin Clark.”

In a previous episode of his show, Smith criticized Swoopes for leaving out Clark’s name when listing the most impactful Fever players. Swoopes listed Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull and Aliyah Boston.

READ: Stephen A. Smith calls Sheryl Swoopes ‘insane’ after fresh jab at Caitlin Clark: “You’ve any idea how that makes you look?”

Sheryl Swoopes says she likes Caitlin Clark’s game, shares apology message on X

Sheryl Swoopes took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to comments about her alleged bias against Caitlin Clark. Responding to a fan, she said she does not 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 then shared a conversation she claimed to have had with Clark in February. Swoopes had referred to Clark as a “25-year-old playing against 20-year-olds” in college and claimed she “probably takes 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 in the message.

“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."