Four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes is one of Caitlin Clark's most outspoken critics.
But during a recent podcast appearance, Swoopes was left speechless when asked about the Indiana Fever star's comments about his privilege as a white athlete in an interview with Time magazine after being named Athlete of the Year. Ta.
Swoopes, who became the first player to sign with the WNBA, acknowledged on Wednesday's “Gills Arena” podcast that it was “great” for the league to see Clark receive the honor, but he did not agree with Time magazine's selection criteria. had doubts.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever celebrates during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I don't think I'd be surprised. I'd like to know who the other nominees were. But the fact that it's the first WNBA player to win Time magazine's Athlete of the Year award is pretty It’s special.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“My question is, is it based on her performance on the court, as well as the criteria, and, yeah, did she have a great year? Or is it based on her performance on the court, like, yeah, she had a great year? Is it based on influence?
“I think this is great. I think it's great not only for her, but for the league, right? Like everyone was talking about the recognition she brought to the W this season, I think it's great that she's in Time magazine. It's great for me to be named Athlete of the Year. I think it's a really great thing for the league.”
Texas Tech alumna Sheryl Swoopes attends Alumni Weekend at the Texas Tech vs. Baylor game at United Supermarket Arena on January 28, 2023. (Imagine it)
Caitlin Clark admits she feels 'privileged' as a white person, says WNBA was 'built on' black players
But when asked what she thought of Clark's admission to the magazine that she benefited from that privilege, Swoopes didn't say much.
“I'd like to say I've had everything, but as a white person I have privilege,” Clark said in an interview.
“A lot of the really good players in the league are Black players. This league is kind of built on them. We value it more, we highlight it, we talk about it, and we want to brand it. If we can continue to have that brand, I think it's really important that we continue to strive to be able to elevate Black women even more because companies are investing in the players that have made this league great. I think that would be great.”
Caitlin Clark, 22, of the Indiana Fever plays against the Connecticut Sun during Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 25, 2024 in Uncasville, CT. Go to the basket in battle. (Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
When asked about those remarks on Wednesday's podcast, Swoopes did not respond.
She seemed to raise an eyebrow and nod before changing the subject.
Swoop has faced criticism in the past for his passionate views on Clark. In September, Swoopes said he didn't think Clark “dominated” the league. Clark was later named WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Follow sports coverage on Fox News Digital's X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
