ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has been an outspoken voice regarding the dynamics surrounding Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and her unprecedented impact on the W WNBA. Smith has repeatedly asserted that a level of resentment exists among some veteran players towards the league’s new superstar, and he hasn’t been shy about explaining why he believes this is the case.
According to Smith, the feelings of frustration and resentment stem from several factors tied directly to Clark’s meteoric rise and the intense spotlight she commands.
Why Does Stephen A. Smith Say WNBA Players Resent Caitlin Clark?
Smith points to multiple contributing elements behind the perceived resentment:
The “Golden Goose” Phenomenon: Smith labels Clark the “golden goose,” describing her as a “rising tide that’s lifting all boats.” Her arrival has undeniably brought record-breaking viewership, attendance, and overall attention to the WNBA. While beneficial for the league as a whole, Smith suggests this generates envy from players who have been excelling for years without receiving a fraction of the recognition, marketability, or media headlines Clark instantly garnered.
Attention Disparity: A significant part of Smith’s argument, echoed by others including his First Take co-host Molly Qerim, is that the disparity in attention is felt particularly acutely by Black players who have long been stars in the league. Smith posits that this is not necessarily personal hatred towards Clark but a reaction to the perceived unfairness of a newcomer, who is white, immediately overshadowing established talents, reflecting a broader societal issue.
- Envy and a Double Standard: Smith has passionately defended Clark against critics he feels are driven by “legitimate resentment” and “envy.” He argues there’s a “double standard” at play, noting that discussions about envy among male athletes are commonplace, but pointing out similar dynamics in the WNBA towards Clark is often met with backlash. He believes “nobody’s fooled” by attempts to downplay the envy factor.
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Does Clark Instigate Resentment?
Adding another layer to his analysis, Smith suggests that while external factors drive much of the resentment, Clark herself sometimes “instigates” negative feelings. He has pointed to her on-court demeanor and specific interactions, such as past exchanges and the rivalry with Angel Reese, implying her demonstrative style towards opponents can escalate tensions.
Physicality on the Court: A Related Issue?
The physical play directed at Clark has been a major topic of discussion. Smith often views the chippiness as typical, intense competition, describing it as “much ado about nothing” and stating, “I love it.” However, he acknowledges that players sometimes “clearly crossed a line,” leading to fouls and penalties, while noting Clark has often performed effectively despite the physicality.
The Racial Element: Cheryl Miller’s Frank View
The conversation around resentment took a pointed turn when Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller stated publicly that animosity towards Clark is primarily due to her race – because she is white. This view aligns with the arguments about attention disparity in a league with a predominantly Black player base. The debate has highlighted tensions surrounding race, privilege, and who receives the spotlight, particularly in the context of incidents like the flagrant foul on Angel Reese and subsequent allegations of racist fan behavior targeting Reese.
Clark’s Impact is Undeniable
Despite the swirling commentary and perceived resentment, Stephen A. Smith and others point to Caitlin Clark’s undeniable impact and on-court performance. In her rookie season, Clark shattered records, led all rookies in points and assists, and earned prestigious honors like the 2024 AP WNBA Rookie of the Year and a spot on the AP All-WNBA First Team. More significantly, her presence has led to unprecedented increases in team ticket sales, league-wide attendance records, and massive boosts in television viewership, directly benefiting the entire WNBA. Smith views these facts as powerful counterpoints to critics motivated by envy.
While the debate continues, Stephen A. Smith maintains that understanding the complex mix of envy over attention, historical disparity for Black players, and even Clark’s own on-court interactions is key to grasping the full picture of why some WNBA players resent the league’s new face.
