Stephen A.’s strong RESPONSE to Team USA’s decision to omit Caitlin Clark 🍿 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter join Molly Qerim to talk through Team USA’s decision to omit Caitlin Clark from the National Team roster, the implications and fallout from the decision and more.
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[@BILLY_BO]

Stephen A dropped 56pts, 17reb, and 12ast shooting 59% from the field and 8/11 from the 3 in this segment

[@tonystarks5733]

👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯

[@CHANNEL_HH]

With 0 turnovers, in three quarters

[@Nebulaforever]

Absolutely masterful! ❤🎉

[@slapatronik]

5/5 free throws.

[@thsu8]

*75% from the field including three heat checks

[@wesdog784]

"That is not compromising your integrity, that is business. And y'all gon' find that out." SAS absolutely COOKED.

[@mevk1]

"That is not compromising your integrity, that is business and ya all gonna find that out". Truer words have never been spoken - in the real world. The sports world is supposed to be above that. Even in an idealic, uttopia sports world, common sense should prevail so a Caitlin pick is a No-Brainer.

[@TheScoobzone]

Sizzling

[@MsCarringtonsYoutube]

PERIOD

[@dionruffin3996]

Stephen A and Shannon Sharp met in the parking lot and said we ain’t messing around today 😂

[@alkebulanlion6198]

Big facts

[@rickytrejo1807]

Fr😂

[@VinoLaflame]

On god 😂😂😂

[@hooverdadon6467]

Facts

[@Gargeler]

These women analysts dont understand the part “grow the game”😂, they think clarks popularity is only for marketing 😂 Women

[@benjaminfranklinkivettiv9433]

Jealousy is a destructive emotion hopefully the league survives. CC is what brought me to the game

[@Kushenable]

women are jealous of everything. thats why a all-women company will fail hard and fast.

[@shannonbarber6161]

Jealousy is no where near this destructive. This is envy.

[@peaceforall1291]

ESPN’s talking points are and now after the fact are proven facts that the Olympic team failed miserably.

[@thereeldreadedhooks7335]

@@shannonbarber6161say it louder for the rest of the idiots still saying “jealousy”!! CC doesn’t have anything that belongs to her haters this most definitely envy

[@son-jayharrison8570]

Not worried about marketing????? It's their main problem. 7 gold medals in a row & no one cares. They're clueless

[@MikeKollin]

Thats' a Great Answer!!!!

[@Anna-fw7lm]

Until NBA will stop giving them financial support, why do they have to care about the money they don't earn? It's too comfortable to be leeches

[@austinyates7132]

I didn’t even know that they won a gold 😂😂😂😂😂.

[@barryallison5378]

​@austinyates71me too😂😂😂32

[@Ohtani9999]

They didn’t realize WNBA was subsidized by the NBA every year until this year where they’ll have a chance to do otherwise BECAUSE of CC. Women literally wanted to grow the WNBA until there’s someone that’s capable of doing it appeared 😅

[@byronc6790]

THIS is Stephen A's 100 point game

[@revellaknight5076]

Stephen A is an overemotional dunce.

[@kartierbandz2895]

This might be the most legendary SAS rant of all time

[@kapazuluinc1059]

@kartierbandz2895 for real I looked at it about 5 times. He is also correct. You may not like him or agree with him all the time but SAS is the most entertaining sports analyst in sports

[@ajgriffin1708]

Definitely top 3

[@Dividendflywheel]

Agreed.

[@YABORGHINI]

nah, the most legendary rant from sas gotta be the one about lamar odom using crack lol

[@jdslipknot]

@@YABORGHINI HE WAS ON CRACK!

[@junecooke1325]

I’m an old girl from Great Britain age 89 yrs old. Iv never ever watched basketball or know anything about it. But then I accidentally turned on to basketball and saw Caitlin Clark do amazing things with a ball. Now I can’t get enough of it. If this young player can reel me in to watch this sport ,then she can, and is, bringing more viewers to watch women’s basketball than ever before. If the USA don’t want you Caitlin there’s plenty of countries that would be sending you to Paris. France would welcome you with open arms. Perhaps leave before another player injures you for life.

[@KieranSaighir]

At 84, it's nice to find someone I can refer to as my older cousin

[@kylebushnell2601]

Big respect

[@cottagegymfun]

I'm a 59 y.o. man in the US. I now want to watch the women's basketball. Guess who attracted me to the game? We all know who she is and what she's done. nuff said.

[@madrush24]

I love this!

[@DoNotCareAboutYourOpinions]

Lol. 89 old girl who knows how to leave comments on KZbin. Just like I am a 102 year old Grandpa responding. Tell me another one. Hahahahahahaha

[@Baller-sf1jw]

Caitlin Clark handles the media better than ESPN analysts.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

they shove this sh!t every week

[@GoatedAtNFS]

@@aldohattonduran5227 race has nothing to do with the media being biased

[@DonSirKarlo]

I'll show my race idgaf...good job protecting massa steven A 😅😅😅

[@yahcrack]

Caitlin Clark is not a victim. She plays to her fans that sees her as a victim. While behind the scenes she’s the opposite.

[@tariqs4357]

SPITTIN FACTS!

[@keithgriffin6322]

Shannon sneaking in “Caitlyn’s better” after Andrea talked about Diana Tarausi having a good season sent me 🤣

[@lynns7262]

Leave Diana home and take Caitlin. Even Sue Bird knew it was time.

[@Tha2ruth]

Sharpe just be talking Caitlin isnt better

[@juniorrobinson9137]

He is always cappin for caitlin. She's got to be paying him or something

[@sylvestermorgan2384]

@@Tha2ruth So would you take CC or Taurasi for your franchise?

[@86MagicJ]

@@Tha2ruth CC deffo better lol

[@StrayWrite]

The WNBA really missed a golden opportunity here. Featuring one of the most talked-about basketball players on the planet should have been a no-brainer.

[@BGBG617]

Now, everybody will continue to not know the names of any of them for the next 4 years. These women are leaving tons of money on the table out of pettiness.

[@OneZxxscsc]

@@BGBG617Imagine if they get silver 😭

[@GoodLifeBreeze]

No they didn’t.

[@mausant2000]

Basically priortize clout over talent…Got it

[@StrayWrite]

@@mausant2000 You're missing the point, the gold is guaranteed with or without her; it's about the bigger picture. Without Caitlin, this isn't even a news story. She's the golden goose. It is what it is. Sometimes you have to prioritize business.

[@karlpark8575]

I don't know anybody on the US Women's Olympic team roster. Never heard of them. All of them. But I know who Catlin Clark is.

[@medievaltone7279]

Woman complaining about the pay gap when the two woman analysts saying woman don't need marketing while the men analysts supporting marketing so the woman's league can improve.

[@Caribbeancultures]

They are women… do everything base on emotion !

[@richardperez5433]

exactly

[@ReyFider]

Typical of them, you give them ways to make something for themselves and they refuse to accept it just because they think they can figure it out themselves.

[@jerrrryy4503]

Truth be told they didn’t know what to say back to Shannon they just said an emotional response to counter argue. Knowing dam well the wnba f’d up their future marketing by leaving her off

[@jerrrryy4503]

The USA men’s team had no chemistry with Anthony Davis or Christian laethner

[@Skunz]

The Fever games will probably still have more viewers during the Olympics than team USA will have

[@andrewmcrorie3096]

the fever dont play during the olympics

[@kylefenwrick5706]

Shows how much people still don't watch the W for not knowing this fact

[@Skunz]

Did you guys see something about her might be playing for Italy? Or is that false?

[@lstnsolutions2803]

@@andrewmcrorie3096I don’t think he meant they will play at the same time just that they will have more viewers, if you compare the two.

[@micaigrayjames]

the olympics typically generate higher views for them like the ncaa tourney

[@medievaltone7279]

Again only men fighting for the marketing of woman's sports.

[@leechrec]

It's crazy. Men even fighting against transgenders in women's sports too, when women should be taking it on with more effort. Feminism not working.

[@markforbus6794]

Nailed it. Seems like only excuses from one side.

[@turtlewitht9484]

One was in the Russian prison, another hasn't played for the season and one is 41 years young👏👏

[@CaliQ09]

😂😂😂

[@MichaelRucker-ns5po]

This probably Stephen A best take ever. It's accurate. The WNBA is FUMBLING the bag

[@StarBoyTsumu]

Wnba does not pick team USA you know that right

[@vine5652]

@@StarBoyTsumu Yes but the 5 people in charge of creating the team are associated with the WNBA. They are just catering to the dinosaur lesbos.

[@pepperdeez]

Don't matter team USA is the wnba. Without the wnba, there is ZERO team USA. Without the wnba, there is no women going into basketball. Noone is watching the wnba and even less are watching team USA women's basketball. Team USA needs the wnba not the other way around

[@RonaldGriddle]

Stephen a Smith is a clown always been a clown he'll say anything for his master

[@grichkatayou7558]

@@StarBoyTsumu people like you always give me head aches foccus on his point... you know he means the women in basketball wnba and olympic board are fumbling the bag

[@MrsTruthTeller]

I never wanna hear another WNBA player or women's sports analyst complain about salary or attention, EVER AGAIN!!!

[@randallamirante3112]

Thank you very much for saying that

[@CirilloRuca]

Yeah, I'm sure the Olympics is about salary. Be quiet.

[@moody4tech635]

​@JMR2875 Dummy, it's about Clark being on the team brings more fans to women's basketball which means bigger salaries

[@terricarter9435]

​@@CirilloRucaOlympics is also exposure you can bring in more fans by sending cc

[@jamescampbell9533]

@@CirilloRucait’s about money genius. BIG money. This was the dumbest call in the history of sport marketing ever. MILLIONS of fans will no longer watch the games. That translates into market share and that is what advertisers pay for.

[@Tony-wo4hz]

Just when I think I'm sick and tired of listening to Stephen A...he shines so bright in a session like this!

[@drb5003]

The only reason SAS said this is because if he goes against CLARK he's going to lose his "MARKETING"..😂😂😂😂😂

[@gabrielortiz1648]

AGREED 🤝

[@nonutemperor]

This rant up there with the lamar Odom rant

[@jeffpape]

Omgosh- so true!!!

[@larrbearPeetmoss]

Steven A is correct on all points. WNBA needs Caitlin Clark

[@noxmercy_ttvowens5150]

They don’t need her she hasn’t did nothing Sabrina hasn’t did

[@Mydogatemycomment]

@@noxmercy_ttvowens5150 who is sabrina

[@dwh8310]

"A rising tide lifts all boats" . How can these women not see this light at the end of the tunnel?

[@dr876]

women.. emotions.. jealousy sigh

[@realtv8132]

You don't have to go in the tunnel to get to the light!!! Which is exactly why CC was not selected. Rising tide lifts all boats every one of them except the ships carrying slaves. Stephen A. has sold his soul.

[@blackstarafro2]

We all know these rookies were kept off the team, because several of the players were in their mean girl feelings. They all realized that they are replaceable by women who are marketable. Other ncaa players will be coming in next year.

[@scythermantis]

I mean this like some Capitalist trickle-down economics garbage

[@skidmoda]

Stupidity, emotions, and jealousy. I can't think of any logical reason why not. The critics can say she didn't earn it and then she'd probably wreck the court. Either way it's drama ON THE COURT which means eyeballs on the team. She is on a media wave, but the WNBA doesn't want to get on it.

[@henrikn55]

Basketball is a sport. Professional basketball is a business. Leaving CC out of team USA is really bad business.

[@kciwner]

Women’s basketball is neither.

[@EJ-og7ru]

@@kciwner Tru dat!

[@Johnny5]

The business of Black Racism!

[@dp3909]

Professional basketball is a business AND still a sport. Talking about anything other than merit is out of bounds for me and many others. Merit and objectivity wherever possible, especially in sport, upholds the integrity of sports. Team USA doesn't need 30% shooting from just over half court. They need a team to win Gold. She will be there one day for sure and it will mean more because she will have earned it.

[@henrikn55]

@@dp3909 Merit is all that matters while viewership and fame out of bounds? This argument is better suited for the local little leagues team, not a professional sports league. Its a job, not a sporting activity.

[@issenroxmanila2670]

"Women failed the WNBA" - Bill Burr 🤦

[@spacegrass]

That bit runs through my head every day

[@soysaucy8086]

Yes coz they all jealous on each other specially when one is a getting all the popularity

[@smellywaffels1967]

Oh yeah because old men still saying Jordan is better than LeBron aren’t lying to themselves and jealous of the new generation.

[@issenroxmanila2670]

@@smellywaffels1967 Clark ain't Lebron, SHE IS the WNBA's Jordan, how clueless can you be. Just like how Jordan brought money to the NBA, Clark is doing the same. Even Isaiah Thomas is appreciative of Jordan for making the NBA financially stable for other players. Now compare that to what WNBA is doing to Clark then you'll get what Bill Burr's quote is all about.

[@MGrose407]

@@smellywaffels1967chatting about who’s better online or in the media isn’t the same as the actual players being jealous and hurting themselves from earning more. 🙄 Jordan and LeBron never played an NBA game against each other and non of the players active during that time was arguing about or leaving one off an Olympic team 😂

[@jasmaster]

I would have watched the women's olympic basketball if Caitlin Clark were on the roster.

[@flknicks4990]

Nailed it. They cant keep complaining about pay gap etc and then leave the most popular player off the team all together. Absolutely ridiculous

[@Yomamahouse180]

And shaq recommended they lower the rims so they can show off athleticism… they shot that down too. I have zero sympathy for the WNBA

[@juanfigueroa-serville2465]

Facts. I never saw a WNBA game until CC entered the League. No attendance, no raise in salary for the players.

[@gowancolley7619]

Management and coaches care more about the integrity of the game and the respect of the players. Pick the team based on experience and the best chance to win, Period! Thats what they did and thats what champions do! Money shouldnt be in the conversation for the coaches

[@MultilinguistGlobalFitBlessed]

Replacing all women’s current top sports with beach volleyball, swimming, diving, T&F, and topless volleyball… THAT WILL INCREASE THE RATINGS. Suddenly it’s about only ratings, right? Anything goes? 😮😂

[@jonnymitchell1443]

To follow your reply Stephen A nailed look what happened Brittney Griner that incident that happened to her should ever happen again these women shouldn’t have to go overseas to play so they can make a honest living.

[@Mckinleyrae2]

It's so confusing how more men in this industry support CC than women!

[@Cesar-pq2ck]

Imagine if the entire world was run by only women. We’d be in WW50 by now.

[@Blackfist030]

I mean....is it really confusing? Women are the biggest haters of women, team USA knows what a draw she is, guaranteed they wanted her there, the only reason she's not there is because the players didn't want her there

[@sundalo1217]

you know for a fact they can be this petty 😂😂😂

[@_d295]

@@Cesar-pq2ckprobably wouldn’t be alive right now

[@patrickkeith005]

Because men aren't that selfish.

[@liahfox5840]

I can't name a single WNBA team, but I know who Caitlin Clark is.🤣

[@Apocol]

FACTS

[@metalhead4667]

I had no idea who Diana taurasi was until Caitlin Clark, and I only know the big girl (i forgot her name already) because she was detained in Russia.

[@ejvelasco6127]

I don't even know who's their goat and top10 all time but I know CC is. It made me interested in looking into the WNBA coz of her

[@LeksiHD]

Facts. Never watched WNBA - forget. The Highlights. If im real - i dont watch WNBA Highlights - i now watch Caitlin Clark Highlights. 😂

[@crs1474]

6:38 when she said “someone you trust” she meant someone you like. That right there is why CC isn’t on the team, because all these players dislike her for shining brighter than them. Just jaw dropping how insecure they are.

[@StormDogg]

Middle management mindset. The people with the least cling to their position the most. Gotta constantly put you down with that ego.

[@juliahanak5098]

"Someone you trust" is code speak for "Someone who looks like us".If Caitlin Clark where all that she is right now and black you'd all be singing her praises.

[@TimNewton0829]

These women can’t seem to understand it. Jealousy is going to destroy their opportunity.

[@genito1]

The old heads on the team probably didn't want cc on the team. You re gonna pick a player who hasn't played this season over the most popular player who (by the way) can ball too. Good job 👏

[@Yomamahouse180]

USA Women’s basketball could win a gold medal and no one would care, but America and the rest of the world would tune in if CC was in the team

[@smellywaffels1967]

It’s a race thing let’s not pretend it’s not. In their eyes they don’t want a white woman dominating a black ladies sport.

[@TimNewton0829]

@@Yomamahouse180 Absolutely right. It’s become a war between men and women on the commentary side. Stephen A Smith had a great take on it today, and he is someone I can’t stand to listen to. Their argument has been CC won’t get many minutes, but they put a woman on the team who hasn’t played a game at all this year. They can’t argue that they want more money, which comes through viewership, if they won’t promote the one who has brought more customers.

[@piotrswat169]

@@TimNewton0829 Its tough when you go against race,religion and sexual orientation.Seems like current USA on full display here.

[@lookupliftup749]

These girls were throwing shade at Clark. Thanks Stephen A and Shay for setting these girls straight about LIFE, marketing and Business!

[@mykarma2]

What WOMEN as being throwing shade at Catlin? All of the ones I've heard speak about her has been positive.

[@YoutubeSucksEggs]

@@mykarma2these 2 little girls in suits aren’t women. Emotional and playing stupid

[@dsau51]

@@mykarma2 the WOMEN literally talking on First Take in this video lol

[@andrewmcrorie3096]

no man could ever despise a woman more than another women

[@junecooke1325]

Jealousy is the cause of much of what’s going on, but also a bit of racism to boot.

[@traviskautz5463]

Thank God for Stephen A. He is saying the quiet part out loud

[@dominiquesilva2070]

For years and I mean years, WNBA players complained about lack of publicity, marketing, air time, money and global exposure…then comes along the most hyped and proven prodigy in CC…Bringing eyeballs, marketing, attendance records and tv ratings, everything WNBA have been wanting, she did it and what thanks and respect did she get for doing so, dismissed and push to the side, this is truly sad, they’re quick to take what from she brought to woman’s basketball and the rewards they have now and quick to shove her away from what she wanted, to represent this country and basketball in the Olympics….shame on the decision makers, shame on those players who push their jealousy and hate agendas against her and shame on tv community who clearly show their disdain against her and hold their naive and narratives against her… CC, you are the future of woman’s basketball, never forget this moment..

[@GarySchumacher-z3y]

Well done, great post :)

[@leechrec]

"Men are thinking business, women are thinking emotional".

[@gary4th]

Men think logically and big women think emotionally and small remember that king 👑

[@Ronydoo-yv2hs]

Women are never good at making decisions.

[@Andrew-hi1lo]

Exactly

[@abdrums21]

Women are the biggest haters of women. Weren't they upset that WNBA players were underpaid? This was a perfect opportunity to elevate womens basketball brand by riding the Clark popularity.

[@sadworldwide]

Caitlyn Clark is good for business and emotionally makes people care enough to even watch

[@joshxc1789]

SAS and Shannon cooked. Team USA is keeping an injured player on the roster and pretending it’s a purely basketball decision 😂

[@kdubbss0583]

The fact yall don’t know how the process works is hilarious.

[@DavidLee-vp3nr]

@@kdubbss0583 The wnba is hilarious.. complainig for years

[@Mdautkreix]

Kyrie > Injured Kawhi for Team USA Men

[@Josh.C88]

Gotta say this is the most I’ve enjoyed a Stephan A rant in a long long time

[@Bman32x]

@@Mdautkreixquiet part out loud, you’re absolutely right and so close to getting the point. Talent + availability of course Kawhi doesn’t deserve the spot over Kyrie. But it’s the Olympics. Unfortunately world politics do matter.

[@dafunkdafunk]

Caitlin Clark is also part of the reason that these ladies are on the panel much more too.. I don't understand how they can't see that.

[@mykarma2]

Oh yeah, SA and Catlin, made this women. (Sarcasm off) Why put Catlin on the team to sit on the bench. She hasn't done crap since she's been in league.

[@HARVEY_1988]

Lies. Idiot

[@rgpacificweb]

They see it, they just can’t admit it

[@TrentonO3000]

@@mykarma2 Hasn't done crap? She's averaging 17/5/6 and just won Rookie of the Month

[@rafinhaipsep]

so?

[@LegacyWealth-o2e]

The female analyst on the right (don't even want to take the time to look up her name) is a pure hater. Jealousy and her loyalty to saving face with the other players whom she may be friends will not let her admit what is obvious. That sister code is having a negative impact in this situation. The fact that she was still shaking her head at the end when Stephen A laid out a flawless argument shows she cant humble herself and admit her position was flawed in the face of a preponderance of the evidence Stephen A supplied. Shameful.

[@dinahcharles6030]

I agree they both will hate more and talk about Stephen A

[@michaeljohnston193]

Stephen A was speaking gospel on this one. It was so awesome. I have been saying this same thing ever since the Olympic roster was announced! The women's game not just WNBA but all over the world could have exploded in popularity. Just like it did with the men for the Dream Team in '92.

[@paulcochran1467]

I don't think Stephen A analyzed the situation very well at all. There's a lot more going on that he wouldn't dare talk about. Blatant racism against a very kind awesomely talented white lady by angry people who are cutting off their nose to spite their own faces.

[@ttru92]

Stats going to show it's increasing already. But yeah, this olympic would have jump started it earlier.

[@ubaldoalvarado8165]

I want a TEAM USA CLARK jersey & so did millions of other Americans 🇺🇸

[@mathgod]

Would have been best selling jersey, men or women.

[@annaraymond8318]

South Pacific Islander here who wants a TEAM USA CLARK jersey.

[@Vance-sn7ei]

That says it all.

[@ensabahnur3104]

And how old that benefit anyone except catlin Clark (maybe, don't know the stipulations of her contract) and the owners?

[@addicted2247]

@@mathgodlmao slow down now

[@IAMgino]

As a Filipino from across the globe, Stephen A. right and they know it.

[@CalvinOnias]

Bro it's not about the colour of the skin. Or the audience, its about your ability to play the game at highest level. Yes Justin Beiber,Taylor Swift,Selena can sell the stadiums but does it mean he is greatest Rnb and Pop singer ever? Eminem sold millions of copies but is he the greatest rapper of all time? He is admitting that she is not at that level yet so why must she go because she is White and have a huge following? The world is indeed a joke.

[@Sugaranch]

I am filipino and i support this patriotic comment

[@Daofro0]

💯.

[@EnlightMC]

What? 7 Gold medals? This is news to me 😂

[@Nick_T_90]

Exactly what I said if you win but no one knows or cares does it even matter

[@mrwrightc7]

Stephen A preached the truth on this one. #facts

[@lievinlenga]

FACTZ

[@imgonnapackit]

Not always a Stephen a fan but BRAVO! That was his best take ever. What a masterpiece.

[@piercezhang8153]

The good news is now I don't have to waste time watching the US women's basketball this summer.

[@natnaelmayalew2061]

😂😂😂

[@thefpvlife7785]

I'm with you. With Caitlin I would have been locked in.

[@SpokeOfGenius]

😂😂😂😂

[@Jonathan-iu3qu]

Wasn't watching with her there

[@AtreyuKhalil]

@@thefpvlife7785so you don’t really like womens basketball? You just like a rookie?

[@TB-wj2ve]

"We didn't add her because of the fans..." Is she being serious?

[@thatonecanadianguy6523]

The only fans they even have for that crap league is cause of Caitlin Clark

[@tomcat160]

Stephen A had a mic drop moment on this topic!! He couldn't have said it any better

[@MaymeIke]

Stephen A.'s argument is a solid one . . .

[@viwriter7620]

We are actually disrespecting the 12 women who have really worked hard and have EARNED this call-up. None of those women is underserving whatsoever. Arguing that D.T should be left out to accommodate CC is disrespect to the game of basketball. Only basketball skills should matter in team selection.

[@HollywoodGaming19]

@@viwriter7620how? Please listen to what Stephen said.

[@shaquilhoskins3078]

@@viwriter7620but they did it before B Stewart didn’t deserve a spot as a rookie but they gave it to her explain that

[@xabisombilini5440]

Only the best players should be picked. Caitlin Clark isn't there yet. We see the potential of what she could become, but it's not reality YET! in the WNBA.

[@brittzank8987]

​@viwriter7620 it's literally never mattered before. So you are choosing now to say it doesn't matter, I wonder why?

[@McNuttiest]

"This is business, and y'all gonna find that out!"

[@crs1474]

I thought the same when Stephen said that. Those will be words they will remember.

[@1moredaly]

Stephen A knows his racist rants will not get him a contract he likes. BACKPEDDLER A. ESPN IS MORE WOKE THAN DISNEY!

[@85Z28]

Caitlin Clark is the WNBA.. missed opportunity for the WNBA

[@Rya_N33]

Jealousy is the worst trait

[@semajtheprod]

SAS said it perfect and the women still said it’s not about marketing. Who knows how long CC fever will last without proper marketing and these jealous woman are going to ruin their opportunities.

[@Cee-tn9qj]

CC is OK but not great yet

[@npcfigureathletedawnirish691]

How's your game?

[@CalvinOnias]

U are also stupid Steve A. If she is not good enough so why must she go? Its not about being White, its about how good and strong you are to play the game. Why is it when it comes to White people, we have to be lenient with them. Its not about box office but its about the ability to play. Have you even seen these Whites being lenient on any black person if he is not qualified for the job? Stupid. We now know most of you Black celebrities are only thinking about your financial gains and are sellouts. Bomboklats

[@Cee-tn9qj]

@Mach1302 you must be dumb

[@Slayer-33]

The level of jealousy is off the charts, you can see it on their faces, specially on the girl next to Shannon.. Good lord. Steven A dropped the hammer here.

[@s.n.9485]

she fine af tho, so she gets away with it.

[@terryadams8300]

WELL LOOK LIKE THE TABLE HAS TURNED NOW SOUND LIKE PEOPLE ARE JEALOUS BECAUSE CC DID NOT MAKE THE TEAM😄

[@tacotacotington3638]

@@terryadams8300 That's not jealousy. Leaving Caitlin off the team was just absurd. She Deserved to be on there based on her SKILL.

[@21alexx77]

Haven’t t seen Stephen A cook like this inna loooong time

[@chippynz5564]

From the other side of the world (New Zealand) we don’t even know 1 name of your Basketball team, Caitlin is bringing kids to the game here.

[@kingquads6982]

SAS made sure McNutt was nowhere near the panel😂😂😂

[@JMA-1804]

I noticed 😂😂😂

[@velmaford3401]

😅😅😅

[@shonda79able]

And that's very unprofessional of him

[@robk6831]

She on her way out. SAS and Skip are the same guy.

[@sirchi8731]

​@@shonda79ableStephen A activated 🦝 mode

[@kpatt2006]

The fact that someone was selected that hasn't played a game this season, is ridiculous.

[@kevinfrancis1384]

Yea, the best PG in the league. You don’t leave Curry off when you know he coming back.

[@sonikspeed19]

@@kevinfrancis1384 LMAO you're adorable if you think any of these women have the popularity of Steph Curry. The closest one is Caitlyn... Oops looks like your point was doo doo.

[@akinwande0209]

That’s the only reason I think she possibly deserves a spot but her turnovers are a concern also real talk

[@CatLoverx900]

For da culture

[@sunnyboateng180]

These old hoes hating on the young one.

[@michaelleonardo881]

The USA Women’s Basketball Olympic Team’s statement includes “promoting, growing and elevating the game at all levels.” This is bigger than just basketball and stats. SAS is on point on this one!

[@RobSoRandom]

This is about business, do CC needs development YES!!!, is she giving the ball up more than any other player yes, is she shooting under 40% YES!!!! but when it comes to business it doesnt MATTER!!!!! You got to use her name to grow the game while you can. Its not Promised she will be a great WNBA player. Then the hype calms down. This is about business not Stats you GOT TO GET HER IN THE GAME SO WAY SOME HOW!!! this is what stephen A saying, this is what shannon saying

[@kofiashiboe-mensah686]

Totally on point

[@classicman6259]

THANK YOU. I was just about to post that same phrase from the mission statement. Two of them were arguing from their feelings while the other two were arguing with facts. Stephen A. missed one critical point though: The Dream Team collectively--not just Bird and Magic from the early 80s and not solely Jordan from the mid 80s--was responsible for the INTERNATIONAL growth of the NBA. The international growth brought Nowitzki, Yao, Luka, Jokic, Wembanyama, etc because it brought eyeballs...and eyeballs bring money. The WNBA needs eyeballs and it needs money, and just like the NBA, it would grow on the Olympic stage. Funny how these current and former WNBA players claim their league has "the best players in the world", yet those players can't blow teams out to "allow" CC to come off the bench and get playing time. You ever know someone that has the solution to their problem staring them right in the face, but they won't do it just so that they can continue to complain and play victim......?

[@stargazer4784]

SAS knows what he's talking about. Seeing so much cope in the comments with people saying stuff like "Olympic team doesn't care about views!" and "Olympics is where the best play the best!". Nobody cared about women's Olympic basketball before this year and now, no one will care about it this year (unfortunately). Like SAS said, they were probably going to win by 30 points regardless, so they might as well have capitalized on CC's popularity and used this chance to put more eyes on her, which in turn means more eyes on women's basketball. To anyone arguing otherwise, I don't ever want to hear the words "WNBA players are underpaid" coming from you ever again.

[@SpokeOfGenius]

​@@RobSoRandomyes but she is also doing all that on a bad team... She will not deal with that on the Olympic team.. Anyone who watch their games knows that.

[@botongjiang]

This is a legendary segment worth being watched over and over 😂

[@josearache4525]

Stephen is 100% right

[@armondbrown5464]

They cant say shes privileged now😂😂- brittany griner was traded for a world renowned weapons dealer, hasnt played all season made the USA team--: whose really privileged here?🤫

[@BlackWhite-ru8gm]

Well that should prove to you that they’re trying to win.

[@Mwaller4413]

That's not a privilege. Watch her play. Still one of the best players in the world. CC however is not

[@russjordan6039]

That was one of the worst trades in history......

[@armondbrown5464]

Brittany Griner is an excellent player who was convicted on foreign soil for a crime she admitted to.......if thay same thing happened to any "normal middle class" citizen they wouldn't have traded anything. That's called privilege folks.....Stop it!

[@user-rk4ey7wh9q]

Please stop bringing up that little micro amount of weed like she a hardcore felon..u or someone in the household probably have ounces in there as we speak..possibly something more hardcore than mary jane..

[@John117M63]

Its funny that most people say men hate on women. Yet here we are in the WNBA 🤣

[@Apocol]

Yeah that’s a big joke

[@WoodsUlmann]

In this case, they're their own worst enemy. Can't possibly be wrong... I almost wish Caitlin would walk... almost. The strength to endure the off the court bs alone vaults Clark over the WNBA itself in terms of relevance. They look petty, vicious, and cruel.

[@dking1836]

@@WoodsUlmann They look it because it IS PETTY, VICIOUS, and CRUEL. It must be difficult to be a star in your own mind and not have half the talent CC has already shown. Seems the refs are in on it too, NOT calling obvious knock down fouls is a sure sign that the hands off the Petty Bit*hes comes from the TOP DOWN. And ELEVATES Caitlyn even higher! Gee, was the WNBA script written by Disney?

[@davidwaskul2821]

U.S.A. has to win gold if not "ouch". Stephen A you knocked it out of the Galaxy.

[@zerti86]

"that is business and y'all are go find that out." SAS absolutely killed it here.

[@asan7521]

Ouch!

[@Jay-kv9xc]

Mic drop

[@sylvestermorgan2384]

Big facts.

[@brooklyn-cv8cg]

That’s a fact , guys only care about Clark

[@reelgriot]

Maybe his best mic drop ever.

[@jonjojr]

"It's business, and you'all gonna find that out" - Clark is gonna have better ratings in her games than two or three USA games combined.

[@youtubingminds9884]

Stephen A about to get 3 external HR complaints from twitter lol

[@MangoTroubles-007]

It's girls basketball He needs to calm down

[@itskee8640]

@@MangoTroubles-007 cry

[@Chupapiyayaya]

@@MangoTroubles-007cry

[@blackmamba4271]

@@MangoTroubles-007stupidity at its finest, is it a problem that its women’s basketball??

[@mykarma2]

@@MangoTroubles-007 Women's basketball, not girls.

[@williamjverhagen]

Omitting Caitlin Clark was the most stupidest move they could have made.

[@fredtacang3624]

They missed the chance of making their league more relevant, esp on a global stage

[@jeffdaman6969]

That’s women’s logic for you.

[@JuliusTurner-hm6ff]

They're not gonna disrespect the vets who deserve it over her, just because her fans are butthurt about it.

[@Jaa-qj9he]

@@JuliusTurner-hm6ff 7 gold medals later those vets are still crying about getting paid like mcdonald cashiers until CC came along to save them.

[@thatonecanadianguy6523]

​@@JuliusTurner-hm6ff The issue is, outside of Caitlin Clark, nobody gives a fc about WNBA and their players.

[@tryah1264]

This is a VINTAGE SAS CLASSIC perspective that millions of viewers needed to hear. I miss this SAS. Unc is always keeping it real and they’re both unapologetic. Thank You

[@jreamscape]

honestly he spoke facts no lies at ALL

[@TonyUSC]

I hope your a woman , calling another men unc.

[@armondbrown5464]

SAS broke this down the way it needed to broken down....he exposed the WNBAs pettiness

[@evansmithers2220]

Facts

[@NBLNothingButLovePodcast]

FACTS BRO..probably one of his best takes in awhile 🔥🔥🔥

[@lancegibbs9795]

That's what happens when women run an organization.

[@Charger-ob8yl]

WNBA doesn't choose the Olympic roster😂😂. Typical casuals and their ignorance

[@wai701b6]

@@Charger-ob8yl I think Cheryl Reeve would beg to differ (off the record of course).

[@angelhope2177]

My biggest issue, is that they say she is chosen because she doesn't have enough experience. How does one get the experience, without getting more experiences. She can't bond with the USA team, without getting the opportunity to. You have to build the list, and when you have no player younger than 26, you are not growing the game.

[@bobarmstrong1161]

She has actually represented the USA at least three times in international competition, twice in the under 19 age category. I dare say that is more that Taurasi had when she was chosen to be on the USA Olympic Team as a rookie.

[@dbrown4279]

I don't like to agree w him but Stephen A is 100% right on this one

[@keithbrown454]

That is why Stephen A. gets paid the big bucks. He laid it out thoroughly.

[@kimocoloma4123]

Huh he gave those two girls a new one.

[@jerrys634]

@@kimocoloma4123 Gave them a new one by shouting out his point of view?

[@carlosharris8998]

The lies you tell he wants special treatment for Caitlin Clark he could have easily tried to promote those other players

[@quintbakerjr2786]

@@carlosharris8998 Why they don't sell like Clark does??? It's business and common sense

[@quintbakerjr2786]

@@jerrys634 By pointing out Clark brings money, no other wnba player is bringing. Whose going to watch wnba rep basketball without Clark there???

[@blacksector4034]

Women are truly all the same. This feels like I’m watching an argument between me and my girl.

[@Sukiyaki3174]

I completely agree. How did this sport become the housewives of New Jersey?!

[@clementomoregie9093]

Bro don't ever argue with a woman even if she is your girl. And your girl shouldnt even want to argue with u

[@ckorijones]

Lol

[@smellywaffels1967]

Men are a million times worse. Beef in female sports is rare and it’s all you hear about in men’s sports.

[@ryancoleman1]

This is why be single. F them santa clauses

[@Riri07-n1]

I won’t be watching the Women’s Basketball Olympic team at all because they left Caitlin off the team!

[@GarySchumacher-z3y]

Same

[@daytdogg]

Same

[@justanorton2418]

I didn’t

[@deelak2329]

These women analysts really dont get it. For 25+ years they've been complaining about more pay. FINALLY, they have a cow they can milk in order TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL and they find a way to complain. My word...

[@3ossomok588]

What?? The WNBA been around for that long ?!!?!?? Well i'll be a son of a gun

[@3ossomok588]

Women....

[@HARVEY_1988]

@@3ossomok588Virgin🫵🏾🫵🏾😂😂😂😂👎🏾👎🏾

Lol ​@@3ossomok588

[@TheGr8SageSama]

6:05 What happened to training camp? Yall gate keeping a tryout team ? And I never seen any of those ladies keep up with SC30 in a shooting contest

[@User_xxCqqJkl]

Imagine being Clark, a 22 yr old rookie and dealing with all this circus that has turned into highschool girls locker room drama. I just hope the girl is not yet exhausted & enjoying her rookie season rn.

[@idread3523]

The Big Three wouldn't have put her through this lol

[@CorbCorbin]

It’s adult women crap. The women of the WNBA complain, then when they are given a godsend, they act like it’s disrespectful to them, because no one ever liked them as much.

[@chriswong9158]

Multi-Millions $$$ yearly contracts, Just 2024 Fever comb. paid is $500,000 plus... CC has a great rookie year.

[@courtneycreator8534]

Lmao sounds like any other star rookie in the NBA.

[@BeepsAndBeats]

Any other sport would maximize this opportunity except the WNBA, what a joke

[@chuitosjpr9725]

Imagine how the people will react if they do not win the gold

[@bria1660]

They will say the best USA players was on the team ... because they are.

[@QuentonScott-g2o]

Facts​@@bria1660

[@TheScammyDavisJrShow]

Too bad they won't... Can't say the same for the men 😭🤣

[@willowbrook2717]

Do you even think anyone will notice?

[@Orlando-h7v]

I really wish that they don’t get the Gold Medal. Because stupidity must be punished.

[@beerye9331]

Caitlin Clark seems very enthusiastic and positive, no wonder they hate her.

[@Hunt9-qb1if]

Steven a Smith and Shannan are preaching right now and I’m loving it

[@RobSoRandom]

Stat wise i can understand! 60 TOs in 6 games shooting under 40% - No one with those numbers really makes it - PROMO wise this is crazy she has the biggest name - Skill wise CC still needs development im saying that as a sports fan not a CC fan

[@crazybear5475]

It’s too bad the hateful black lesbians can’t hear and understand what they are saying.

[@ho7ly77]

Stephen A is 100 💯 million percent correct on this one. Got to recognize the truth. The man knows marketing, he’s been in this game for years.

[@jefftothwmizzle]

He is 100% right. I said that the first time I heard she didn't make the team. What a waste of marketing dollars. No one is watching women's Olympic basketball. EVERYONE would be watching Clark playing basketball.

[@wkang88]

Bravo! Stephen A!

[@patrickfricke362]

SAS makes you turn down the volume at work even though you're wearing headphones

[@cmn225]

and that's why i hardly ever watch First Take

[@Yemzy93]

Everytime 😂

[@FallacyUnknown]

Lmao

[@risladav967]

SAS is the ONLY reason I watch FT.

[@_Benjiglo_]

I literally just did this lmaooo

[@keyahmoore98]

Not having CC is crazy

[@MissSparks92]

right? and the fact that they have Brittney Griner instead makes me wanna hurl, Brittney assaults other players on the court all the time and is a felon for crying out loud. Her attitude makes me sick. CC is a class act and amazing player who would make team USA so much better. I wish other players would have some self esteem so they wouldn't feel the need to be jealous of CC.

[@oldcremona]

This team will be remembered for being the team that left Caitlin off.

[@larrym2434]

I bought the WNBA season subscription, and I've been watching a lot of games this season. I'll say that all the women on that list, with the possible exception of Greiner have been playing better basketball than CC. Greiner recently returned from injury, so I haven't seen her play much, but I will say that she is tall AF, and that makes her useful on a roster of 10. CC will keep growing, but she's not there yet.

[@joecowboy5862]

Stephen A's articulation is unparalleled.

[@greg1685]

All he did was yell.

[@cibida1]

@@greg1685you’re not listening

[@EIonsMusk]

Stephen A Smith. Bravo. Bringing logic back into ESPN

[@AG-xc5ni]

Diana Taurasi WENT AS A ROOKIE. This is utter hypocrisy. She really needs a 6th medal at 42 years old??? How is this good for USA basketball and the future???

[@monroecoleman9028]

It’s not she need to retire pass the torch cause the max being 250000 and their modern goat is still playing at 42 and need another gold medal is trash

[@Dontmess33]

She’s still better than Clark she plays DEFENSE. Clark’s game needs to improve hopefully 4 yrs from now she will actually be a superstar and consistent.

[@xhandhele]

@@Dontmess33 If Caitlyn Clark aint on the olympic team, America is not gonna watch, and it's going to damage domestic viewership forever. Nobody cares about 2028. EVERYBODY CARES ABOUT NOW IN 2024, except apparently the people in charge of the WNBA. Otherwise, they'd get eyes on the most popular player ever in the most prestigious arena to grow the WNBA.

[@StrueSlies]

Diana had three NCAA titles, she was a winner, what has Clark won? ......I'll wait......

[@randylouissaint1636]

@@Dontmess33no one cares. This was a golden opportunity that they squandered.

[@lowlife2133]

That felt like a father putting his child in their place.

[@richiecolon3774]

💯

[@Idakooz]

These women don't get the big picture. Stephen A couldn't be more correct about this.

[@yangman55]

I stopped drinking coffee. I just turn on ESPN Stephen A, and he wakes me up every time....

[@chimaaj2284]

💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@320ngUnit]

Stephen A had spent 1.25hrs in shower that morning preparing for that masterful speech

[@n3rds3y3vi3w]

Lmao SAS had to explain it to them like they were children and I still don’t think they got it

[@mrobitwice77]

How could they when they have hate and jealousy in their veins (Andrea that is)

[@ghosttowntomato]

Because they ARE literal children. Never had to grow up. She said it herself- grew up with a Silver Spoon in her mouth pushing her through the system. She’s just part of the problem! Lol. And has the audacity to act “all high and mighty”?!

[@domzmajo7072]

@@mrobitwice77 They're in denial of it too, they say that they're aiming for gold but puts a player who hasn't even played a single game in a year.

[@moody4tech635]

The hate and jealousy in these women is stronger than the want of making money.

[@RAY-qf3ub]

100%

[@dwoodstwin]

Monica McNutt fading away like Homer in the bushes 😂😂😂

[@juiceis4life988]

Factz 😂

[@1hundred1]

what happens when you try to convince people wit a straight face that they shoulda been covering the wnba 3 years ago

[@Hennyjuly]

She's done 😅😅

[@oneshot1824]

Yup

[@mukhanglarochannel4774]

Faster than a human fart.

[@Hustlin04]

Anyone who says DT at 42yo is better then CC at 22yo is either in denial, living in the past, or is just a CC hater.

[@Outoflovefmp]

She is. WWW.

[@TonyUSC]

D. All the above.

[@aprilnelson3970]

@Hustlin04 Mic drop. Thank you.

[@AcornSmokes420]

More like they are racist

[@FirstLast-rd6hw]

Maybe they are just looking at the stats? Taurasi averages more points, a better FG%, better 3P%, 3x fewer turnovers or maybe it’s just due to Taurasi’s leadership, a trait Clark doesn’t have.

[@DJJustJayOK]

I'm totally convinced that the WNBA and Women Team USA basketball don't understand how to grow a league, nor how to properly promote the product.

[@zachawe7469]

Oh they know they just can't get out their feelings

[@twils005]

They’re prideful

[@ReoBandss]

Team USA’s job is not to grow a league.

[@lamarhogan3664]

Atp can’t even feel bad cause they do it to themselves

[@Bigp352]

​@@twils005 Bingo!!!

[@stevenwilson8718]

Myself, my friends and family together have said that we didn't even know the women's basketball was in the Olympics, let alone that we have won 7 straight gold metals. But we all know that Caitlin wasn't chosen because we had never paid any attention to women's basketball until the last couple years watching every possible game with her playing.... The point is that winning 7 gold metals didn't bring extra attention or higher athlete salaries and neither will winning 8. If Caitlin was chosen, it would undoubtedly make a difference.

[@RomeroLeonardo]

Jealousy is real

[@miami8089]

Stephen A Smith broke that down perfectly. Absolutely nailed it.

[@Mark-jn3wo]

No he didn’t

[@ab_onthecam2256]

@@Mark-jn3wo YES HE DID

[@Mark-jn3wo]

@@ab_onthecam2256 no he didn’t. What was he right on?

[@pchery18]

Stephen met Shannon prior to this meeting and said "today, we ain't arguing. We uniting and exposing this great evil" And Shannon said "Lead the way, brother".

[@davidherrera6911]

Can’t argue with SAS on this one. Absolutely right

[@sirchi8731]

He wrong

[@mr.allfacts9489]

Oh so you a sale out as well. Smh

[@MauriceMamba]

@@sirchi8731but he’s CORRECT on-this one . The WNBA didn’t start making any money until this Year . They need Caitlin Clarke to help grow the League. So most of these players in the WNBA won’t have to play anymore oversees, just to make extra Money.

[@quintbakerjr2786]

Sas is right no one's watching wnba rep USA without Clark

[@blackmamba4271]

@@mr.allfacts9489yeah ig we are.. all these females complaining they don’t get paid enough now here’s y’all opportunity to make more money and y’all worried about integrity 🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡 straight suckas

[@cyborgvalkyrie]

"The other person knows how to pass the ball tho!" Orly? Caitlin Clark is about to pass the all-time single-season mark for assists.

[@inzodarello7251]

Thank you SAS and Shay