Some vitriol toward Caitlin Clark is 'self-induced,' ESPN's Stephen A Smith says

Caitlin Clark was fouled hard during the Indiana Fever’s 88-71 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Colin Cowherd says this is great for the WNBA and Caitlin Clark’s career and he discusses how she’s impacted the league.

ESPN star Stephen A. Smith suggested on Wednesday that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was responsible for some of the resentment toward her in the WNBA.

Smith and "First Take" panelists Monica McNutt and Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo broke down the skirmishes between Fever and Connecticut Sun players. Clark was on the receiving end of an eye poke from Sun guard Jacy Sheldon and was then bumped to the floor by Marina Mabrey.

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 14, 2025. (Grace Smith-Imagn Images)

Clark and Sun players were talking trash throughout the game as tensions began to rise early and eventually boil over. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham also got into the fray with a hard foul on Sheldon late in the game. Both players were ejected.

Smith reiterated his stance that he believed there was "resentment" toward Clark but said he had no problem with the frenzy that took place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, noting the highly competitive nature of all the athletes on the court.

"Now, here’s the thing about, because I want to make sure everyone understands what I’m about to say," Smith began. "Caitlin Clark being that ‘golden goose’ per se, that ‘rising tide that’s lifting all boats,’ I stand by my past proclamations that there’s resentment toward her because of that. But I want to take it a step further.