WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes is once again under fire for matters related to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
After shading the Indiana Fever star not long after her Olympic snub, Swoopes’ attempt to show her clean hands was met with backlash after she posted screenshots of their direct messages.
While fans also slammed Swoopes for being ‘unfair’ to Clark in her commentary, she shared snips of a message thread with a contact named Caitlin Clark. In the messages – dating back to February 5 – she apologizes to the sharpshooter for making an incorrect statement about her collegiate career.
‘Never trust someone who publishes private messages,’ one person said.
‘Who cares about these text messages when you get on air and talk s*** about her?’ another asked.
Fans blasted Sheryl Swoopes for posting screenshots of her thread with Caitlin Clark
The WNBA legend has been previously criticized for her ‘unfair’ commentary about the rookie
‘Blasting a 22 year old’s private message to the public to make oneself look better is wrong, just plain wrong,’ a third person chimed in. ‘I don’t care if Swoopes asked for permission or not given the contentious relationship they have had.’
‘The apology should’ve been as loud as the lies you peddled. You can’t lie about a kid in public and apologize to her in private,’ a fourth person said.
The exchange seemed lighthearted and Clark appeared receptive to Swoopes’ apology. Still, putting the conversation out for public consumption left a foul taste in fans’ mouths.
The apology was warranted by Swoopes saying Clark played five years in Iowa during an appearance on the Gil’s Arena podcast with Gilbert Arenas. Swoopes also claimed that Clark shot 40 attempts per game when discussing how she broke Pete Maravich’s all-time NCAA scoring record.
Swoopes was also criticized for skipping Clark while acknowledging the Fever’s success
Clark is in the running for Rookie of the Year as Indiana braces for the last stretch of the season
In reality, Clark played four seasons with the Hawkeyes while shooting an average of 22.7 shots per game.
‘Hey Caitlin,’ Swoopes said. ‘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… Lol! 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.’
‘No worries at all I appreciate you reaching out and there’s no hard feelings. I appreciate all you have done for women’s bball and for inspiring girls like me and building the foundation and platform we have today!’ Clark responded.
