After a tumultuous weekend for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, the WNBA was the top story on many sports networks Monday morning, which led to some pretty tense moments on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt got into a heated exchange during a discussion show when the topic of Clark’s incident with Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter came up at the beginning of the show. There were many theories about the hip check Carter gave Clark that turned into a flagrant foul, and McNutt argued that new WNBA fans might think the league was trying to attack Clark.
“You may not have said ‘everyone,’ but the general sentiment towards people who just joined the WNBA and watch women’s sports is unfair to the women in this league who have laid the foundation for Caitlin Clark to come in and take it to the next level,” McNutt said on the show.
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Stephen A. Smith before the midseason tournament final between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 9, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports)
She added: “The game is physical and Kaitlyn is helping grow the league and these ladies understand that, but they can’t get coddled just because they’re new.”
But when McNutt mentioned the media coverage surrounding the WNBA, Smith took it personally.
“Does anyone talk more about the WNBA, or women’s sports, than No. 1, First Take?” Smith, a regular on the show along with Shannon Sharpe, asked McNutt.
“With all due respect, Stephen A., with your platform you could have done this three years ago if you wanted to,” McNutt responded.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said some WNBA players are jealous of Kaitlyn Clark and suggested it’s because of race.
“Wow,” Smith said after an awkward silence, but didn’t stop. “Is there anyone out there doing more than we are?”
“I’m talking to you! I’m talking to you. Don’t do that. I’m talking to you about the power that you have. I’m talking to you,” McNutt said.
“First Take” host Molly Qerim eventually stopped the discussion for a commercial break after 40 minutes of candid speaking on her show.
The debate began when Smith compared criticism of women in the WNBA to that of men’s sports.
“We’re talking about maximizing their incredible potential,” Smith said, “and then we bring that up and we talk about things that might get in their way — we do that with men all the time — and now we have to sit here and watch every word. I resent that, but I’m not going to say any more.”
Monica McNutt before a playoff game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 26, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Welcome to the world of women, Steven A., where you are at the mercy of your choice of words and have to please everyone, no matter who you are, as you guide yourself,” McNutt countered.
“What about being a black man?” Smith said.
Smith said on the show that some WNBA players are jealous of Clarke’s rise to prominence and stardom since she joined the league, and that race may play a role.
“There are girls, young women in the WNBA who are jealous of Kaitlyn Clark. She’s a white woman who just entered the league,” Smith explained. “She just burst onto the scene. She hasn’t proven herself yet. They don’t think they’re better than her, because the girls who are playing at the same level as her probably know that at this point.”
“The reason it’s infuriating is because all the hard work, dedication, hustle and grind that went into elevating the brand of the WNBA, women’s professional basketball, for so many years, and all of that work was for naught until this girl came along and took the league by storm, took the sport in college and accomplished what they couldn’t do in a short amount of time.”
Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt got into a heated argument on Monday’s “First Take.” (Getty Images)
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“I think people will be smart enough to recognize and appreciate that about Caitlin Clark, and then use that to their advantage and praise and cheer her on as they compete against her on the court.”
Clark’s Fever started the 2024 season poorly, going 2-9.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydas contributed to this report.
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