WNBA icon Sheryl ends friendship over Caitlin Clark comments

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever is a sensation who has broken countless rookie records in the WNBA and established herself as a generational talent after an incredible NCAA career.

Of course, this success has been met with criticism from all sides. For Clark, this also includes WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes.

Swoopes recently came under criticism for comments directed at Clark, including an attack by a former friend.

During an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” fellow WNBA player Nancy Lieberman recounted how a phone call with Swoopes about Clark seemingly ended their friendship.

At the time, Clark had just set the NCAA Division I record for most points scored by a player with 3,951 points. Swoopes incorrectly stated that Clark had an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID pandemic.

Lieberman called Swoopes as a friend to correct the mistake, but things did not go as expected.

“Well, she was mad at me on the phone,” Lieberman said. “And I said, ‘Sheryl, I’m not hurting you. I’m just sharing my feelings with you.’ And so our relationship is pretty much over at that point. I tried to talk to her at the Final Four, but she wouldn’t talk to me.”

“My life will be good or great with or without Sheryl Swoopes,” Lieberman continued, noting that she would rather have Swoopes there.

Swoopes soon responded to Lieberman and Smith on Social Media.

“Here you go! I understand what you’re trying to do with your boy (Stephen A. Smith), but it’s not working,” Swoopes said. “You know exactly what happened. And the same goes… my life is fine without you (and him). Do you want to go there?”

Although Swoopes has received a lot of criticism online, she recently announced that she is Conversation with Clark via SMS and apologized to her.

“Hey Caitlin,” Swoopes said. “I wanted to reach out to you personally and tell you I was wrong about what a year this has been for you. COVID has completely confused me…LOL! I also have nothing but respect for you and your game and appreciate your skill. Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far. Be blessed.”

“No worries at all,” Clark replied. “I really appreciate you reaching out and there are no hard feelings. I appreciate everything you’ve done for women’s (basketball) and for inspiring girls like me and creating the foundation and platform we have today!”

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