One of the largest subplots of the Caitlin Clark narrative got some attention outside of the sports world this week.
ESPN basketball analyst Monica McNutt was a guest on "The Daily Show" on Monday, June 10, and talked to host Jon Stewart about the narrative surrounding Clark. In particular, McNutt talked about her little spat with Stephen A. Smith last week, during which she called out the "First Take" star for the show's lack of WNBA coverage over the last three years.
"It was a little bit of a challenge to a gentlemen that I admire in terms of what they've built," McNutt said. "Because if you haven't been here. I need three years ... Yes, it has absolutely been taken over the top this year. But this has been a snowballing effect to get to this moment. While Caitlin is fantastic, and I think she's going to have an incredible career in the WNBA, there are women that were worthy of coverage prior to her arrival, and I just will not be silenced when it comes to that."
While Smith defended himself on his podcast and on ESPN the next day, the two publicly said they were in good terms. She returned to "First Take" the next day to discuss the Clark issue.
Good Morning, Good People
— McNutt Monica (@McNuttMonica) June 10, 2024
A lil PSA for those of us that are concerned, me FT & SA all good. I’m on the road covering finals as previously scheduled, but squeezing in a couple dope opps, will share soon. The way ya’ll rocked with me though 🫶🏾.
Related: Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt respond to fiery 'First Take' altercation
On "The Daily Show," McNutt said that while she believes that Clark has catapulted the league to new heights, the conversation about the players' dislike for Clark is a disservice to the many who came before her.
"My larger point in the conversation was the tenor and the prevailing narrative that has been created around this season's WNBA play is that it's the league vs Caitlin Clark — and that's just absolutely false," McNutt said. "It is unfair to the women that have been there building the league to this moment so that Caitlin Clark's popularity could take it to the next level."
She also added that the conversation about the physicality of the league being a problem is an odd issue that seems to be specific to the women's game.
"The part of this conversation that's daunting for me is: Sports is about competing. It is literally the foundation," McNutt said. "We need to score, we got to compete. And in the conversation around how we navigate the attention on the women's game, somewhere in the there, competition should be watered down to protect the asset?"
Related: WNBA players are fed up with the Caitlin Clark chaos
One of the points she also seemed to want to make clear as well was that while there is growth in the women's game, the conversation about the actual product seems to have been forgotten amid the stories around Clark's treatment in the WNBA.
"As much as the conversation has been dictated by the audience, we still haven't really sat up and talked about the actual basketball of it, John," McNutt said. "We've opened the door — but we're still kind of looking in instead of walking in."
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McNutt pointed out that there are plenty of storylines in the WNBA such as the Las Vegas Aces chasing a third straight championship or the Connecticut Sun starting the season 10-1, but those have taken a backseat.
Jon Stewart also delivered a heartwarming moment during the interview segment with McNutt, who is also a commentator for New York Knicks radio. It happened after McNutt said that she thinks Clark is why she made it onto the legacy television show.
"I mean frankly, Jon, Caitlin Clark got me here," McNutt said.
Stewart, who is a diehard Knicks fan, cut her off to give her more credit saying than she gave herself.
"The viral moment maybe brought you to some national attention. I have been loving what you do. You are such a good basketball analyst and announcer," Stewart said. "Your voice, your knowledge, your passion has cut through for me. It's very rare that I turn on the radio or here a new voice and go, 'Oh that person — they can explain this to me.' And you really do ... that's how you got here."
A moment to remember for sure. Very grateful, Knicks fans continue to hold me down. 🧡💙 https://t.co/1qs8nMP7Dy
— McNutt Monica (@McNuttMonica) June 11, 2024
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