Shannon Sharpe Faces Backlash Over Comments on Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Influence, Claps Back at Critics

Shannon Sharpe is no stranger to controversy, and recently, he found himself defending his views on X after comments regarding Caitlin Clark’s influence on the WNBA sparked debate.

During an episode of First Take, he passionately argued that while Caitlin Clark deserves recognition, the contributions of legendary players like Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie, Lauren Jackson, Diana Taurasi, and Simone Augustus should not be overlooked.

“Fans and analysts have tried to minimize Caitlin Clark, saying [I’m] ‘giving her all this credit. What about the women that came before her?’” Sharpe stated. “What the women that came before her, what they did cannot be taken away. That ain’t got nothing to do with Caitlin Clark.”

His claims were met with backlash from some users who accused him of downplaying the struggles and achievements of women in the league prior to Clark’s rise.

One user responded to Sharpe’s comments, saying his issue is that he “never speaks on the disrespect the rest of the women of the W experienced.”

Sharpe fired back, saying, “That’s your issue not mine. I have no issue with anything I’ve said in regards to WNBA and its players past or present.”

This response only fueled the fire, as many fans expressed outrage at his dismissive tone. Sharpe further escalated the situation by questioning one user who was engaging with his posts, saying, “Why are you one my page? Don’t you have another horse 2 rob of his hair? Stop trying 2 kill my vibe.”

The conversation took another turn when some users suggested that his comments hinted at animosity towards Megan Thee Stallion, as evidenced by a profile picture used by the user.

The backlash was intense, with people accusing him of being anti-Black and debating whether he was truly recognizing the contributions of all WNBA players.

Sharpe later revealed he would no longer respond to negativity online after Wednesday.

That’s your issue not mine. I have no issue with anything I’ve said in regards 2 WNBA and its players past or present. https://t.co/WCHdzAbb6j

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 25, 2024

Why are you one my page? Don’t you have another horse 2 rob of his hair? Stop trying 2 kill my vibe. https://t.co/E4LBtGp8oJ

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 26, 2024

🙄🙄🙄 https://t.co/Jna1Hupy2J

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 26, 2024

Sept 25 2024 at 6:06 pm. I will no longer respond 2 any negativity. It’s not the serious 4 me. I’ve got kids and I would upset with them IF* they responded in this manner. This is beneath me. Y’all pray 4 me tho. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤣

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 26, 2024