Sheryl Swoopes Calls Caitlin Clark A “Bully” & Claims She Didn’t Really Break The NCAA Scoring Record In Hate-Filled Rant
In a shocking and heated interview, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes launched an unexpected tirade against Iowa star Caitlin Clark, accusing the talented guard of being a “bully” on the court and questioning the legitimacy of her NCAA scoring record. Swoopes, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time, made the controversial comments during a recent appearance on a sports podcast.
Swoopes, whose career was marked by multiple WNBA championships, MVP awards, and Olympic gold medals, started her rant by criticizing Clark’s playing style. While Clark has earned widespread acclaim for her scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership, Swoopes seemed to take issue with the way Clark handles herself on the floor.
“I’m sorry, but Caitlin Clark is a bully,” Swoopes said. “She goes out there and plays with this cocky attitude, and that’s not the type of role model we should be celebrating in women’s basketball. She acts like she’s untouchable, and frankly, it’s hard to respect a player who’s that arrogant.”
Swoopes’ comments are particularly surprising given her status as one of the pioneers for women’s basketball, especially in the professional league. Throughout her illustrious career, she was known for her fierce competitive spirit and leadership, often praised for her on-court intelligence and sportsmanship. Yet, her critique of Clark centers on what she perceives as a lack of humility in the Iowa guard’s approach.
“I get it, she’s a great player, no doubt about it,” Swoopes continued, “but I don’t think the way she plays is always the best example for young players. There’s a difference between confidence and arrogance, and I think Caitlin has crossed that line.”
What followed was an even more controversial claim, as Swoopes questioned Clark’s NCAA all-time scoring record, which Clark officially set in March 2023. The Iowa junior surpassed the previous mark of 3,283 career points, held by Hall of Famer and former Texas standout, Kelsey Plum. Swoopes, however, implied that Clark’s record wasn’t as impressive as it appeared.
“I don’t think Caitlin Clark really broke that scoring record. It’s not the same as when I played or when Kelsey played,” Swoopes argued. “The game has changed so much, and the three-point line is part of the reason for her success. It’s a different era now. It’s easier to rack up points when you’re shooting threes constantly. That’s not the same as being a dominant scorer inside the paint like some of the players from my era.”
Swoopes’ remarks have already sparked a backlash from fans, analysts, and players, with many arguing that Clark’s achievements are a testament to her hard work and skill, not to any supposed lack of merit. Some have also pointed out that Swoopes herself benefited from an era where the WNBA was still in its infancy, and many aspects of the game, including rules and expectations, were evolving.
“I respect Sheryl Swoopes as a player, but this kind of talk is disrespectful to Caitlin Clark and to the progress women’s basketball has made,” said ESPN analyst Holly Rowe. “Caitlin has proven herself time and time again, and she’s doing things that were unheard of just a few years ago.”
Clark, who has remained tight-lipped about the comments, has continued to focus on her team’s performance and goals for the upcoming season. Despite the controversy, her supporters are rallying around her, celebrating her achievements and defending her place in the history books.
Sheryl Swoopes’ remarks have undoubtedly fueled a larger conversation about the evolution of women’s basketball, the nature of competition, and how players from different generations view each other’s accomplishments. Whether her comments will impact Clark’s reputation or simply further highlight the differences between eras in the sport remains to be seen. For now, Caitlin Clark’s record stands, and the conversation about her place in the game is only just beginning.
Leave a Reply