ESPN analyst and former NFL star Shannon Sharpe didn’t hold back when addressing what he perceives as growing resentment toward Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. During an episode of his podcast, “Nightcap,” recorded with former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, Sharpe highlighted a recent incident from the Indiana Fever’s game against the Seattle Storm.
In the game, Clark was subtly nudged from behind by Seattle’s star, Skylar Diggins-Smith, while she was trying to rally the crowd. Sharpe pointed out that this wasn’t just an accidental bump—it was a deliberate move by Diggins-Smith, who seemed frustrated with Clark’s performance.
Sharpe argued that this moment reflects a broader issue within the WNBA, where some players appear to be jealous or even resentful of the 22-year-old rookie. According to Sharpe, the physical altercation was a direct response to Clark’s dominance on the court.
“Man, stop this foolishness,” Sharpe said emphatically. “Y’all see Skylar speed up to make contact with her. Stop this! Y’all mad ’cause that corn-fed, Iowa girl is busting y’all a**. Y’all said she’s too weak, she can’t do this, but she’s leading the WNBA in assists. She’s cooking! Let her cook!”
Shannon Sharpe letting the world know, Caitlin Clark is ELITE! #wnba #FeverRising @CaitlinClark22 pic.twitter.com/BjtRWva1yN
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) August 19, 2024
Clark wrapped up the game with an impressive stat line: 23 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Entering the game, she was averaging 17.6 points and a league-best 8.3 assists per game, solidifying her status as a top contender for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, where she’s primarily competing with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
Reese, who is averaging 13.4 points and 12.0 rebounds, has also faced her share of tough treatment from other players. Both Clark and Reese have been involved in physical altercations throughout their rookie seasons, raising questions about how newcomers are treated in the league.
Sharpe zeroed in on the incident with Diggins-Smith but also noted that Clark has faced similar aggressive plays from other stars, including Chennedy Carter, Breanna Stewart, and even Reese herself. One of the season’s most talked-about moments was when Carter shoved Clark to the floor during the Fever’s 71-70 victory over Chicago on June 1.
Sharpe criticized these actions as detrimental, especially given the positive impact Clark has had on the league. He believes that instead of being met with animosity, Clark should be celebrated for her contributions and the excitement she’s bringing to the WNBA.
