
Sheryl Swoopes, a former WNBA legend, has stirred up the basketball community once again with her strong opinions about Caitlin Clark. Swoopes, who previously drew backlash for comments on Clark’s NCAA scoring record, is back in the spotlight after making a bold claim on the latest episode of Gil’s Arena. This time, Swoopes accused Clark of being the “true bully” on the court, a statement that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The controversy began when Swoopes was discussing a recent game where rookie Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky attempted to block a shot from Clark but ended up making contact with her head, resulting in a flagrant foul after a review. During the episode, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas described Reese as a “bully,” a label that Swoopes quickly disagreed with. Instead, she turned the focus to Clark, accusing her of pushing off every time she had the ball. This comment sparked disbelief and criticism from many, including WNBA fans, who questioned Swoopes’ reasoning.
Swoopes’ earlier remarks about Clark had already drawn negative reactions. She had incorrectly claimed that Clark was in her fifth year of college basketball, which she used to argue that Clark had an unfair advantage over Kelsey Plum’s record-breaking performance, which took place in four years. Swoopes even questioned whether Clark’s record truly counted due to the extra year granted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These statements didn’t sit well with many, but Swoopes later apologized for her mistakes and reached out to Clark through an intermediary to express her regret.
In a follow-up conversation, Swoopes admitted she had misspoken about Clark’s year in school and made sure to clear the air with the Iowa star. Swoopes expressed her respect for Clark’s achievements, but her comments about Clark’s playing style still lingered in the public’s mind. The two players have now become central figures in a growing rivalry, especially as they are set to face off in the 2024 regular season.
The tension between Sheryl Swoopes and Caitlin Clark is only escalating, and it’s clear that the conversation surrounding their rivalry will continue to evolve. As Clark continues to set records and make history, it’s likely that more opinions will surface, keeping fans and analysts engaged in this ongoing drama within women’s basketball.