A WNBA legend didn't hold back against Stephen A. Smith despite having previously thrown some shade at Caitlin Clark... as she called the longtime ESPN'er a 'coward.' 

Last week, Smith - a vocal Clark supporter - called out Sheryl Swoopes for failing to mention Clark while praising other WNBA stars on her 'Queens of the Court' podcast, prompting Smith to label her as 'insane' on his own show.

Swoopes - a four-time league champion - took offense at Smith's insult and criticism.

'You talk about whomever and whatever you want on your podcast. Correct? So why can't I,' she posted on X, Saturday. 'Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well.' 

Swoopes later added: 'Do you talk about them (or others in the league) and give them their props? I hope y'all take all of this energy to the polls and vote!' 

The four-time WNBA champion then followed up on her initial response to Smith with a post that perhaps resonates with current and former pros. 

'@stephenasmith BTW...you new to this, I'm true to this!' she posted on X. 

Saving her most scorching quip for last, Swoopes noted: 'Not sure what he thought he was doing? ... I'm ready to go on his show!! Coward.' 

Swoopes - a Houston Comets legend - has previously been called out for 'hating' on Clark

To Smith's defense, Swoopes previously dissed Clark while the Fever rookie was still in college at Iowa, as the former pro questioned the legitimacy behind Clark's NCAA D1 scoring record. 

At the time, Swoopes inaccurately said that Clark had played five seasons at Iowa when in fact she had played four.

Similarly to Jason Whitlock, Smith has previously brought up how the mostly black WNBA 'resents' the white Clark and her success.

Earlier in August, Swoopes was slammed by Elle Duncan for hating on Clark. But, the ESPN'er retracted her comments and apologized to the Houston Comets legend.

Swoopes' Silence on Clark

The Caitlin Clark, Sheryl Swoopes saga has been an odd subplot of the WNBA season. Swoopes, a women's basketball legend, has come under fire for the way she has discussed the Indiana Fever star.

This dates back to before Clark was even in the pros, as Swoopes caught some heat for erroneously stating that Clark broke the NCAA scoring record by playing more years than Kelsey Plum did.

Recently, Swoopes notably didn't mention Clark at all when crediting the Fever for their improved play of late, which led to Stephen A. Smith dubbing her “insane” for said omission.

Well, Sheryl was silent about Caitlin again, but this time while she was doing commentary during the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces game.

When the play-by-play announcer mentioned that Napheesa Collier and Clark had won Player of the Week for the Western Conference and Eastern Conference respectively, Swoopes didn't have anything to say. Her partner made mention of Clark winning and appeared to lay out in order to get Swoopes' thoughts, but after several seconds of awkward silence, he picked back up the commentary.

There's no way to know if this was intentional on Sheryl's part or will simply be blown up due to the circumstances. However, her silence certainly won't silence fans who feel as though Swoopes has slighted Clark in her analysis.

Swoopes did not deny deliberately leaving Clark out of her previous take when responding to Smith. She posted this in response to the viral clip from SAS. "You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. Correct? So why can't I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well."

While this topic has already probably consumed more energy than it is worth, it is worth pointing out that Swoopes is discussing the WNBA in an official capacity in many of these instances. Her "Queens of the Court" podcast is presented by the league and she was on the call for a game in the clip above.

Regardless of her intentions, one thing has become clear. Swoopes went from having a lot to say about Clark, to nothing at all.

The Caitlin Clark Effect

CAITLIN Clark's impact was already felt by the WNBA even before she was drafted.

The Iowa college superstar went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever in a surprise to absolutely nobody.

The Indiana Fever had 36 of their 40 games in the 2024 season scheduled for national TV - up from 22 last year.

Teams also moved their games against the Fever to bigger arenas to cater for the extra ticket demand.

Clark helped the NCAA draw 18.9 million viewers for the women's championship game, more than the 14.8 million who watched the men's decider.

She has also already signed a deal with Nike worth upwards of $20 million.

A Divisive Figure

The ongoing dialogue around Clark and Swoopes may impact how players and legends interact in the future, particularly in recognizing emerging talent versus established figures. This tension could influence fan perceptions and media narratives in the WNBA.

The exchange highlights the challenges of recognizing emerging players without overshadowing legends, calling for more inclusive dialogue in celebrating talent across generations within the WNBA.

The End of an Era?

The Caitlin Clark, Sheryl Swoopes saga has been an odd subplot of the WNBA season. Swoopes, a women's basketball legend, has come under fire for the way she has discussed the Indiana Fever star. This dates back to before Clark was even in the pros, as Swoopes caught some heat for erroneously stating that Clark broke the NCAA scoring record by playing more years than Kelsey Plum did. Recently, Swoopes notably didn't mention Clark at all when crediting the Fever for their improved play of late, which led to Stephen A. Smith dubbing her “insane” for said omission. Well, Sheryl was silent about Caitlin again, but this time while she was doing commentary during the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces game. When the play-by-play announcer mentioned that Napheesa Collier and Clark had won Player of the Week for the Western Conference and Eastern Conference respectively, Swoopes didn't have anything to say. Her partner made mention of Clark winning and appeared to lay out in order to get Swoopes' thoughts, but after several seconds of awkward silence, he picked back up the commentary. There's no way to know if this was intentional on Sheryl's part or will simply be blown up due to the circumstances. However, her silence certainly won't silence fans who feel as though Swoopes has slighted Clark in her analysis. Swoopes did not deny deliberately leaving Clark out of her previous take when responding to Smith. She posted this in response to the viral clip from SAS. “You talk about whomever and whatever you want to on your podcast. Correct? So why can't I? Also, did you listen to the ENTIRE episode? NOPE! I have a personal relationship with these players and they deserve recognition as well.” While this topic has already probably consumed more energy than it is worth, it is worth pointing out that Swoopes is discussing the WNBA in an official capacity in many of these instances. Her “Queens of the Court” podcast is presented by the league and she was on the call for a game in the clip above. Regardless of her intentions, one thing has become clear. Swoopes went from having a lot to say about Clark, to nothing at all.