WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has come under fire for her largely inaccurate criticisms of University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark.
Swoopes recently appeared on Gil’s Arena, a podcast hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. On the show, the group discussed Clark and her historic senior season with the Hawkeyes. Averaging over 32 points per game, Clark is rapidly approaching the all-time scoring record for women’s college basketball.
According to Swoopes, however, Clark’s achievements should be taken with a grain of salt. The 52-year-old claimed Clark has played one more year than WNBA player Kelsey Plum — the current record holder — due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
That statement is completely untrue. Clark, 22, has played just four seasons and is considered a “true senior.” While the NCAA has given student-athletes more years of eligibility because of the pandemic, Clark hasn’t taken an extra year.
Twitter users were furious with the blatant lie. That included Iowa head soccer coach David Dilanni.
“Not 1 person on a panel of 4 knew that she’s played 4 years,” Dilanni said. “Not 1 person had the facts.”
Not 1 person on a panel of 4 knew that she’s played 4 years. Not 1 person had the facts..
Kelsey Plum college stats:
• 3,527 pts
• 4 yrs (2013-17)
• 139 games
• 25.4 PPGCaitlin Clark college stats (& counting):
• 3,462 pts
• 4 yrs (2020-24)
• 123 games
• 28.1 PPG https://t.co/ZZbZuH8tzR— David DiIanni 🇨🇦 (@uiowadiianni) February 4, 2024
Dilanni then provided the facts himself. At this point in her college, Clark has a higher points-per-game average and has also played less games than Plum did.
That wasn’t Swoopes’ only incorrect statement. She also claimed Clark was a 25-year-old playing against 20-year-old, and that her scoring output is only so high because she takes 40 shots a game. Clark currently averages approximately 22 shots a game.
When I saw the clip that went viral I said it was a valid opinion & not even controversial
But seeing the whole thing Sheryl was ABSOLUTELY hating on Caitlin with blatant lies. And not not one of you crusaders for truth called it out.
“40 shots a game” is generational lying😒 pic.twitter.com/bnFNJHV8Lx
— Future Of The Retro (@TraeK_) February 4, 2024
Some encouraged Swoopes to “do some research,” while other called her statements “propaganda-like.”
SHERYL! DO SOME RESEARCH.
1. Clark is not 25, she literally just turned 22.
2. She is a true senior, which means no extra seasons. It’s her 4th year.
3. PLEASE, she does NOT shoot 40 shots a game🤦🏽♀️ It’s actually 22 attempts she’s averaging a game.
4. Stop hatin! https://t.co/V9ATptrvXo
— Jade Rogers (@JRogers32) February 4, 2024
This is embarrassing for everyone involved, especially Sheryl Swoopes.
This level of hate is almost propaganda-like. https://t.co/F4Iye1ld2x
— Quinn Douglas (@Quinn_Douglas_) February 4, 2024
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