If you ever wanted a case study on how not to handle controversy, WNBA analyst Sheryl Swoopes is delivering one in spades.
Swoopes can’t seem to get out of her own way when it comes to an ongoing feud between her and fans of Caitlin Clark, many of whom perceive the former Houston Comets star as jealous of the rookie.
Things got worse when, responding to an X account with very few followers, Swoopes posted private text messages between her and Clark for all the world to see.
A person on the social media platform mentioned Swoopes’ effort to downplay Clark’s scoring record – which she did using the false premise that the former Iowa star played more seasons and took many more shots – and suggested she needed to apologize.
Swoopes has already apologized and admitted, “I made a mistake”.
For some reason, however, she felt the need to prove it to this individual with just 113 followers, by posting screenshots of text messages she and Clark exchanged on the matter.
Caitlin Clark Fans Rip Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes keeps pretending she has no issues with Caitlin Clark, but her actions of late have shown otherwise. And fans weren’t exactly impressed with her sharing of private text messages.
“Never trust someone who publishes private messages,” one fan wrote.
Which is a good point. Clark must now know that anything she sends to Swoopes privately might be made public in the future.
Another added, “Publishing private messages ain’t it.”
“This makes you look so much worse. I didn’t think that was possible,” one follower wrote.
The anger was palpable despite the fact that the messages between Swoopes and the Indiana Fever rookie were cordial, respectful, and classy.
“Hey Caitlin, 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,” Swoopes wrote. “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.”
Swoopes is referencing the pandemic rules which would have allowed Clark to play a fifth year of eligibility, but she instead declared for the WNBA draft. This is what had Sheryl confused.
“No worries at all I appreciate you reaching out and there’s no hard feelings,” Clark responded. “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!”
“You’re very welcome. I really appreciate you and your game. You are taking it to a whole new level. Keep being great! Have a blessed night,” Swoopes concluded.
Here you go! This is from February. pic.twitter.com/n7m9v4FPlE
— Sheryl Swoopes (@airswoopes22) September 2, 2024
RELATED: Sheryl Swoopes Rips Stephen A. Smith As a ‘Coward’ After He Calls Out Her Comments On Caitlin Clark
Swoopes Has Been Relentlessly Disrespectful Since
While that conversation from February was cordial and positive, Sheryl Swoopes has been dissing Caitlin Clark in every sense since that moment.
Swoopes came under fire recently when she analyzed an Indiana Fever turnaround after the Olympic break and credited just about every member of the starting five except Clark. And Clark has been on fire!
Her silence on that matter led to public criticism from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith who called her “insane”.
The four-time WNBA champion and first-ever player to be signed by the league followed that up with awkward on-air silence as Clark was being announced as Player of the Week.
Earlier this week, Swoopes defended Chicago Sky player Diamond DeShields after DeShields hit Clark with a flagrant foul and was then pictured smiling as Clark fell to the floor.
Caitlin Clark got laid out for the 2nd game in a row pic.twitter.com/GxqPwPZf7n
— WNBA Rookie Watch (@WNBARookieWatch) August 31, 2024
“Head up kid! Hate will not win!!,” Swooped wrote, again publicly, to DeShields. “You are covered and ain’t nothing these evil people can do about that.”
It’s clear Swoopes is enjoying the controversy. Otherwise, a vast majority of these conversations and criticism would be private instead of blasted on social media.
We know from her refusal to say anything positive about Clark that she can actually keep her mouth shut when motivated. Swoopes might want to practice the technique a little more often.
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