Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was recently named Time Magazine's 2024 Athlete of the Year. Clark led Iowa women's basketball to begin 2024, and she led the Indiana Fever after being drafted to the WNBA. She played well on the floor while making a massive impact on ratings. During an interview with Time Magazine, Clark addressed her "privilege" and said she wants to make a difference.
"I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege,” Clark said. "A lot of those players in the league that have been really good have been Black players. This league has kind of been built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about that, and then continue to have brands and companies invest in those players that have made this league incredible, I think it’s very important. I have to continue to try to change that. The more we can elevate Black women, that’s going to be a beautiful thing."
Former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes was asked about Clark's comments during a recent episode of Gil's Arena. Swoopes refused to address the topic, though. Swoopes did not say a single word about Clark's comments before the conversation shifted in a different direction.
Swoopes' coverage of Clark has received backlash in the past. She did discuss Clark winning the award, though.
"I don't think I'm surprised (that Clark won Time Magazine's Athlete of the Year)," Swoopes said. "I'm curious to know who the other candidates were."
After acknowledging that it is "special" to see a WNBA player win the award, Swoopes wondered if the criteria was based on purely on-court performance or overall impact, as Clark certainly helped to draw more attention to women's basketball.
"I think it's great, not just for her, I think it's great for the league," Swoopes added.
Swoopes later said a player such as A'ja Wilson could have won the award.
"You could put A'ja Wilson (in the conversation)."
Social media reacts
Swoopes' reponse, as well as her decision to ignore Clark's comments, received plenty of reaction on social media.
I could not get through the whole video but this is a tough watch.
— Xavier Sanchez (@Xavier_Sanchez4) December 11, 2024
Gilbert Arenas & Sheryl Swoopes are getting paid to talk about sports & show such distaste for the current generation of athletes. They avoided every chance to compliment Caitlin Clark and her impact. https://t.co/9aXjxnK93w
Embarrassing stuff from Sheryl Swoopes and Gilbert Arenas. Imagine hating a 22 year old this much when all that 22 year old does is hoop and elevate the sport https://t.co/UoP1pma4oT
— Travis B. Hill (@travisbhill5) December 11, 2024
Sheryl Swoopes immediately needs to know the criteria, giving off a she didn’t earn it vibe https://t.co/KN0zv4CHtl
— CMSLA[G]LE (@cm_slagle) December 11, 2024
In the end, Swoopes is happy to see the WNBA's continued growth. Only Swoopes knows how she truly feels about Clark. Clark's impact on the league has unquestionably been important, something that Swoopes acknowledged
The WNBA's popularity is increasing. Other players made an impact on ratings as well, but Clark's ability to bring in new fans is undeniable, as she has been doing it since college. Angel Reese deserves credit as well without question.
With Clark and Reese leading the way, as well as stars who have been in the WNBA such as A'ja Wilson, the league should continue to see immense growth.