Cheryl Miller vs. Cheryl Swoopes: Defending Caitlin Clark and Changing the Narrative

For the past year, WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark has been at the center of an ongoing and relentless debate. From her dominant college career to her rapid rise in the professional league, Clark has faced an unexpected barrage of criticism, particularly from basketball legend Cheryl Swoopes. However, another icon of the game, Cheryl Miller, has now stepped forward to defend the young star, setting the record straight and exposing the flaws in the ongoing narrative.

The Attacks on Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s journey has been remarkable. A three-time Player of the Year, two-time national champion, and NCAA record-holder, Clark entered the WNBA with massive expectations. However, she quickly became the target of baseless criticisms, most notably from Swoopes, who falsely claimed Clark was a 25-year-old playing against teenagers in college. In reality, Clark was 22, the same age as many other seniors, and was playing within the standard NCAA eligibility rules.

Swoopes did not stop there. She painted Clark as a selfish player, exaggerating that she took 40 shots per game. The truth? Clark averaged 22.7 shots per game—a number comparable to many past college stars, including Swoopes herself, who averaged 19.2 shots in her senior season. The hypocrisy was evident, yet the criticisms continued.

As Clark closed in on the all-time NCAA scoring record, Swoopes again questioned the legitimacy of her achievements, incorrectly asserting that Clark needed a fifth year to break the record. In reality, Clark shattered the record in just four years, the same as previous record-holders. Despite the facts, Swoopes remained determined to diminish Clark’s accomplishments.

Clark’s Rookie Season and Continued Doubts

As Clark transitioned into the WNBA, Swoopes boldly predicted that she wouldn’t dominate. However, Clark quickly silenced critics by leading the league in assists and setting multiple rookie records. She finished her debut season averaging 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game—clear evidence of her impact. Yet, even as she proved herself at every level, the skepticism persisted.

Swoopes continued her campaign against Clark during an appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast, where she insisted she had nothing personal against Clark while simultaneously undermining her success. The controversy grew to the point where Swoopes was removed from a broadcasting role for an Indiana Fever game, replaced by Nancy Lieberman, who called out the misinformation being spread about the rookie sensation.

Cheryl Miller Enters the Conversation

The basketball world was waiting for someone with credibility to step in and provide clarity. That moment arrived when Cheryl Miller, one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball history, joined the All the Smoke podcast and dismantled the false narratives surrounding Clark. Calling out Swoopes directly, Miller didn’t hold back, delivering a knockout blow to the misinformation campaign.

“Come on, you big dummies,” Miller declared, in what has now become a viral moment. With years of experience as a player, coach, and analyst, Miller’s words carried weight. She didn’t just offer casual support—she backed it up with expertise and firsthand knowledge from coaching Clark in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game.

Miller’s Perspective on Clark’s Game

Miller provided a refreshing, unfiltered take on Clark’s abilities. Unlike many of her detractors, Miller recognized Clark’s strengths beyond scoring. “She doesn’t just score—she sees the floor better than most players in the league,” Miller emphasized. “She’s got great handles and court vision, and she makes passes that most people don’t even attempt.”

One of Miller’s most poignant observations was the way Clark has been unfairly targeted. “I know what it’s like to be hated,” Miller admitted. “I know what it’s like to be a Black woman and be hated because of my color. But Caitlin? She’s getting hit from every direction. She didn’t anoint herself as the face of the league—people put that on her.”

These words resonated deeply with fans and analysts alike. Miller acknowledged that Clark’s confidence could sometimes be mistaken for arrogance, but she argued that Clark had earned the right to be confident. The criticism, Miller pointed out, seemed more like jealousy than legitimate analysis.

A Pivotal Moment in Clark’s Career

During the Indiana Fever’s first win of the 2024 season, Miller shared a heartfelt moment with Clark. Seeing the pressure Clark was under, Miller offered her a much-needed embrace and words of encouragement: “I’m so proud of you. Savor this moment. Keep being you, no matter what.”

For Clark, this moment was more than just a victory—it was validation from one of the greatest players in basketball history. It was a reminder that, despite the noise and criticism, she belonged at the highest level.

The Future of the WNBA and Clark’s Role

Miller’s defense of Clark goes beyond just one player. It’s about the future of the WNBA and the growth of the women’s game. Clark has already elevated interest in the league, leading to record-breaking viewership and increased revenue. Even those who criticize her are benefiting from the surge in attention she brings to women’s basketball.

Miller’s final words in the All the Smoke podcast were a reality check for Clark’s critics: “You big dummies—are you getting paid now?” The undeniable truth is that Clark’s presence has made the league more profitable, more exciting, and more competitive.

As Clark continues to evolve and dominate, the noise around her will likely persist. But with legends like Cheryl Miller in her corner, one thing is certain: Caitlin Clark isn’t just another rising star—she’s a game-changer.

The WNBA’s future is brighter than ever, and Clark is leading the way. Whether her critics like it or not, the numbers don’t lie. The league is winning, the players are winning, and most importantly, the game is winnin.