Monica McNutt and Caitlin Clark

Monica McNutt spoke candidly about her feelings of jealousy towards Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA. Clark recently signed a $28 million shoe deal before even playing a professional game, which has sparked a mix of admiration and envy among her peers.

Monica McNutt acknowledges that Clark’s success has brought attention to the WNBA, but feels that the narrative of Caitlin Clark vs. the WNBA is unfair. She noted that other players in the league have also worked hard to grow the game and deserve recognition.

I get that we are at a special place when it comes to women’s basketball and the growth of the game and all of the eyeballs. I think what I was frustrated by in our conversation earlier is that we can hold more than one truth, y’all. Like the idea of some players being jealous. Yes, that probably exists. There’s been a loud & large push that is Caitlin versus the W and that is unfair to me. Yeah. Jealous. Sure. I mean, would you be jealous of somebody that got $20 million shoe deal or whatever the deal is before you step foot in the pros, right?

Monica McNutt said on The Nightcap Show

McNutt’s comments come after a heated exchange with Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take, where she emphasized the importance of consistent coverage and recognition of women’s sports. She believes that Smith’s platform could have been used to elevate women’s basketball earlier, rather than only now when Clark’s success has made it more visible.

Ultimately, McNutt’s reflections highlight the complexities of Clark’s rise to fame and the need for broader support and visibility for all athletes in the WNBA. While Clark’s success is to be celebrated, it should also inspire greater recognition and coverage of women’s sports as a whole.

Stephen A. Smith claps back at Monica McNutt in heated WNBA debate

Stephen A. Smith was left speechless after a heated exchange with Monica McNutt on Monday. But he quickly responded on his own podcast, trying to save face.

You ever heard of Monica McNutt? You have now. Cause she's on First Take a lot. It is highly offensive to me when somebody implies or flat-out states like Monica McNutt did this morning. Which was factually incorrect. I challenge anybody to find a show that supports television, that discusses women issues, that discusses the WNBA or women's sports.

Stephen A. Smith on First Take

Smith listed WNBA analysts who appeared on First Take, including McNutt, to deflect criticism. However, he failed to address the main issue: his lack of WNBA coverage before Caitlin Clark’s arrival.

Smith’s response was seen as weak and only added to the controversy. It highlighted his own bias and neglect of women’s sports. The exchange sparked a wider conversation about the lack of coverage and support for women’s sports.