Wow, the Caitlin Clark debate is really getting out of control.
After Clark was left off the U.S. Women’s Olympic team, there were a lot of opinions on both sides of the debate, but for better or worse, no one stood out more than Stephen A. Smith. On Monday, Smith appeared on First Take to discuss Clark’s failure to make the U.S. team, but I think he should have said this:
Stephen A. Smith to Andraya Carter: “I’m going to tell you right now, if you don’t have the right mindset about marketing, you’re going to be underpaid for the rest of your life in what could be a brilliant career. This is important.”
Andraya: “I understand what you’re saying, Steven A., but I won’t sacrifice…” pic.twitter.com/AVLkIzCcRP
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 10, 2024
This is… incredible. I think I understand what Stephen A. is saying, but the way he phrased it and the context around it is incredibly filthy. It’s really, really egregious to put marketing in direct conflict with the integrity of someone like Carter’s knowledge of women’s basketball. It’s trying to lead people to believe that knowledge of women’s basketball will always come second to marketing.
This isn’t the first time Smith has made a mistake. WNBAOn June 3, he and fellow ESPN analyst Monica McNutt were discussing the WNBA, and things escalated quickly.
Stephen A. Smith: “Who talks more about the WNBA, about women, about women’s sports than First Take?”
Monica McNutt: “With all due respect, Stephen A., with your platform, you could have done this three years ago if you wanted to.”
Steven A.: “Awesome.” pic.twitter.com/szQXOPQ3h4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 3, 2024
Smith later discussed the exchange on his podcast, but that only added fuel to the fire.
The conversation surrounding the WNBA and Clark has really gotten out of hand. With everyone trying to paint Clark as the savior of the WNBA, the world is putting too much of a burden on Clark and neglecting the women in the WNBA who have led the league’s continued growth. There’s a lot more to talk about beyond Clark on the W. A’ja Wilson is having the best year of her career. Dearica Hamby is thriving with more opportunities to get the ball in LA now. The Connecticut Sun are dominating opponents.
The media world needs to discuss the WNBA and Clarke more, because it’s not ok to disrespect the people who have been here since the beginning.
