Nancy Lieberman and Sheryl Swoopes became women’s basketball icons during the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997. But the pair, who work as broadcasters for the Dallas Wings, are feuding over the league’s newest icon: Caitlin Clark.
Lieberman told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on Monday that she’s no longer on speaking terms with Swoopes due to the Hall of Famer’s dismissive attitude toward the Indiana Fever’s rookie phenom.
“There was this quote by Sheryl that said ‘Caitlin was 25 years old, she was a fifth-year senior, she was taking 40 shots a game, her record was illegitimate,’” Lieberman told Smith, regarding Swoopes’ apparent attitude toward Clark’s NCAA scoring record. “Well, she got upset with me on the phone … so our relationship is not happening at this point.”
Swoopes took to social media to lash back at her colleague, sharing private messages sent to Clark noting there was no ill will between them.
“I do not hate Caitlin,” the former Houston Comets player wrote on X. “It’s a lot of her fans that are just mean and evil.”
Swoopes also expressed her desire to appear on Smith’s show to discuss her side of the story.
“I get what you trying to wit ya boy [Smith] but it ain’t working,” Swoopes wrote on X in response to Lieberman. “You know good and well what happened. And ditto, my life is good without you too.”
Clark is in the middle of a historic rookie season — the Iowa product has already set a WNBA record for the most three-pointers and assists in a debut campaign. The 22-year-old has also helped propel the Fever from the worst team in the league to a potential playoff contender as the regular season draws to a close.
Clark and the Fever return to action on Wednesday night against the Sparks.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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