Stephen A. Smith Declares Government ‘Have a Case’ in Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Treatment

Smith was referring to President Trump as “that man,” feeling Trump could use this as fuel to “feed his base" and deflect from other issues.

The Wall Street Journal article, written by Sean McClean cites a hostile workplace for Clark by the disparity of ignored excessive fouls, targeting and negative comments from players and owners.

McClean also lays out specific workplace instances of textbook hostile work environments that were presented to the Supreme Court and won––an example being the Texas Dept. of Community Affairs v. Burdine in 1981 which states: 

“Under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, letting employees allege less favorable treatment than peers due to race––warranting investigation without direct animus. That shifts the burden to the employer to prove nondiscriminatory motive.”

Stephen A. Smith Sends Warning to WNBA About Clark Physicality: 'You Gotta Address This'

Smith in his segment, warns the WNBA about the issue, saying “they have an argument” and cites quotes from members of the league who commented on the types of physicality that went unchecked on Clark such as her teammate Sophie Cunningham saying, “The star player of the league is not being protected,” and ESPN broadcast analyst Rebecca Lobo having said, “Every single one of [those plays against Caitlin Clark] has been a foul.”

McClean boldly asserted that “if evidence shows discrimination or retaliation, the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division must act.” And with how Smith laid out the evidence that supports the argument, he sent a call to action the WNBA’s direction:

“WNBA you’ve been forewarned. You gotta address this,” Smith bluntly states, “Last two-minutes reports from the referees,” which is a public document released by the league that analyzes the officiating decisions made in the final two minutes of games, specifically those within three points or less at some point during that period that the NBA already uses. “Institute that immediately,” Smith stated with a sense of urgency.

While the debate as to the physicality directed towards Clark is often polarizing, Smith sounding the alarm on the issue will not go unnoticed when publications such as the Wall Street Journal are calling for federal investigations––no matter how out-of-pocket it may sound to some.