In Monday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” there was a heated 40-minute discussion about a controversial flagrant foul committed by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. As the segment drew to a close, Stephen A. Smith claimed that no one talks about the WNBA and women’s sports more than their show. However, panelist Monica McNutt challenged this assertion, arguing that Smith could have discussed these topics much earlier if he wanted to.
This comment left Smith speechless, as he responded with a series of “wows.” The conversation quickly escalated with Smith, McNutt, and Shannon Sharpe talking over each other, prompting host Molly Qerim to intervene and lead the show to a commercial break.
McNutt’s main point was that rookie “welcome to the league” moments have always been a part of the WNBA, and she felt that the reaction to Carter’s foul on Clark was blown out of proportion. She highlighted that the behavior of one player should not represent the entire league, and that physical play is a part of the game. She emphasized that while Clark is helping the league grow, she still needs to compete like any other player and cannot be babied as a rookie. By acknowledging the groundwork laid by veterans in the league, McNutt aimed to shift the narrative surrounding Carter’s actions.
