STEPHEN A. Smith sent a warning to the WNBA that President Donald Trump could intervene in the league’s treatment of Caitlin Clark.
The fiery ESPN personality made his stance clear on the WNBA‘s physicality of Clark during Thursday’s edition of First Take.
Indiana Fever injured star Caitlin Clark smiles during a game this week[/caption]
Smith‘s message comes following a Wall Street Journal editorial on Clark last week.
The publication called for a congressional investigation in response to the WNBA continuing to tolerate what’s considered hostile treatment sent to the Indiana Fever superstar, Clark.
On Thursday, Smith let it be known that his sources in the political world told him that Trump knows the current WNBA climate and could be ready to launch a government investigation into Clark.
“I am not guessing on this,” Smith said on First Take alongside host Molly Qerim.
“I didn’t go on my show and just bring it up for no reason.
“I happen to know a few people who have said this is something that , ‘do not be surprised if President Trump speaks on eventually.’
“If that man decides this is something that can feed his base, that can ingratiate himself with that kind of audience that is protective of a Caitlin Clark… and they come to a conclusion that they believe she is being unfairly treated, that is going to be a problem for the WNBA.”
Smith then issued a warning to the WNBA and its players over its seemingly overly physical play with Clark.
“(Trump) pays attention to this kind of stuff and this is the kind of stuff that can feed that base. So I’m saying to the WNBA, because I support the WNBA, I want them to succeed, I want all these ladies to get their money, I want them to have their success, I’m just warning them – watch it. Because if he gets involved and that base gets involved, because somehow, some way they embrace victimhood on the part of Caitlin Clark it could be a problem,” he said.
Smith’s First Take warning comes after he commented about the Wall Street Journal article and said there is enough evidence to justify an investigation.
“Caitlin Clark is going to be politicized. It’s coming. I can smell it,” Smith said on August 5 on his own YouTube show.
“17 flagrant fouls have been called against people for beating up on Caitlin Clark.
“That’s practically double for what’s happened for any other player in the league.”
Still, a government investigation into a sports league’s physical play on a player would be unlike anything anyone’s ever seen before.
Clark seen getting fouled by Connecticut Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa during a game last month[/caption]
Fans reacted to Smith’s warning that Trump could launch an investigation into the treatment of Clark.
“Comical,” one wrote.
“No need for an investigation,” another commented.
“What is Smith talking about?” a third asked.
In the meantime, there won’t be any claims of poor in-game treatment of Clark anytime soon.
The two-time All-Star Clark has no timeline on a return date as she has been out since suffering a groin injury on July 15.
