The sports world has been buzzing since an altercation between Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter unfolded in the WNBA this past weekend. While the incident itself is still being analyzed and dissected, what’s even more captivating is the reaction it’s sparked among some of the biggest names in sports media. As expected, everyone has their own opinion, but none have attracted as much attention as the fiery exchange between Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt on ESPN’s First Take.
For context, Caitlin Clark, a superstar who has taken the basketball world by storm with her electrifying performances on the court, has become a household name. Her rival, Chennedy Carter, another dynamic talent in the WNBA, was involved in the controversial incident. While details about the altercation are still unclear, it has been enough to send shockwaves through the sports world, with debates erupting on various platforms.
In the midst of this controversy, Stephen A. Smith—one of the most prominent voices in sports media—made a series of comments about the incident during a First Take segment on Monday morning. As always, Smith delivered his thoughts with intensity and passion. But his comments quickly became the focal point of a larger conversation, especially after a sharp rebuttal from fellow First Take personality, Monica McNutt.
As is his trademark, Smith didn’t hold back. On the show, he remarked, “Who talks about the WNBA, who talks about women, who talks about women’s sports more than First Take?” The implication was clear: Smith was positioning himself and the show as one of the few platforms giving women’s sports the attention they deserve, especially in a moment like this.
He wasn’t just talking about the altercation between Clark and Carter, but about the broader issue of women’s sports and the lack of attention they often receive in mainstream media. Smith argued that First Take has consistently highlighted women’s sports, particularly the WNBA, which tends to fly under the radar compared to the men’s leagues.
However, this wasn’t going to go unchallenged.
Monica McNutt, a former basketball player and now sports broadcaster, was on the show that day, and her response to Smith was both pointed and powerful. After listening to Smith’s comments, McNutt responded with a pointed critique: “Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted to.”
In that one line, McNutt hit a nerve. She called out Smith for not using his significant platform to push for the recognition of women’s sports earlier in his career. While Smith had been vocal about many social issues, McNutt implied that the time to elevate women’s sports had come long before this incident.
Smith, caught off guard by the sharpness of McNutt’s remark, was momentarily silent. The usually quick-witted analyst was left with little to say except a stunned, “Wow.”
McNutt’s comment resonated deeply. For years, the coverage of women’s sports has been a matter of debate, with critics arguing that women’s teams, leagues, and athletes are often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Even with the growing popularity of the WNBA, there is still a disparity in the way it’s covered compared to the NBA. The Clark-Carter incident has highlighted this imbalance even further, bringing the topic of media representation into sharp focus.
Smith’s words about how First Take has covered women’s sports were well-intentioned, but McNutt’s challenge underscored the fact that the fight for equality in sports media isn’t a new one. The struggle to give women athletes their due recognition is ongoing, and for many, it feels like a battle that should have been waged—and won—years ago.
This exchange between Smith and McNutt was more than just a moment of on-air drama. It was a reflection of the broader issue of how women’s sports are covered and discussed in mainstream media. McNutt’s response wasn’t just about calling out Smith—it was about reminding the audience that there’s still work to be done when it comes to supporting women athletes.
In an era where athletes are not just on the court or field but also on social media, the way they are discussed in the media is crucial to how they are perceived by the public. Smith, with his massive platform, has the ability to influence millions of viewers. His acknowledgment of women’s sports could have gone a long way if it had been more consistent. McNutt’s response to him was a reminder that media personalities, especially those with the power and reach of someone like Stephen A. Smith, hold responsibility for ensuring that women athletes receive the recognition they deserve—not just when a controversy arises, but as part of their ongoing narrative.
As the dust settles from this heated exchange, it’s clear that the conversation about women’s sports is far from over. The Caitlin Clark and Chennedy Carter incident might have sparked this particular debate, but it’s part of a much larger movement toward giving women’s athletics the attention and respect they’ve long been denied. Stephen A. Smith’s confrontation with Monica McNutt serves as a stark reminder that it’s not just about talking the talk—it’s about walking the walk. If we want true equality in sports, it’s time to recognize the efforts of women athletes every day, not just when it’s convenient or controversial.
The sports world, and the media personalities within it, will need to continue the work of elevating women’s sports—not just for the moment, but for the long haul.
