Stephen A. Smith believes the ongoing controversies surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark have devolved into "political ping pong" and is urging the WNBA and its players to proceed with caution. The ESPN host's remarks came during a live taping of "First Take" at Fanatics Fest 2026 on Friday.
"The commissioner is absolutely right: it's political ping pong," Smith stated, referencing NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's observation that Clark has become a "political football."
Smith extended some "culpability" to the players, advising them to "see the forest through the trees" in the current climate. He acknowledged that Clark, a white player who has drawn significant national attention and viewership, is a "cash cow" for the league, stating, "a rising tide lifts all boats."
However, Smith cautioned that players need to be mindful of how their words and actions can be perceived and utilized. He noted that in today's polarized political landscape, "every little thing you say and do is utilized to give somebody an advantage over another." This dynamic, he explained, can lead to situations where Clark is viewed as a victim by some segments of the audience due to her ethnicity, while others might resent the attention she receives given the league's established talent.
"And that's where the political ping pong comes from, because all of a sudden, in the climate that we're living in, they're going to say this is what it is to cause the divide," Smith said.
The controversy has been fueled by incidents such as Phoenix Mercury veteran Alyssa Thomas appearing to punch Clark in the throat during a game. While Thomas was later suspended for one game, the league's response was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as insufficient and others as an overreaction.
Smith also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's leadership, particularly her recent decision to avoid a scheduled interview with podcast host Dan Patrick and instead be filmed practicing golf. "You know when you got a commissioner that's ducking for cover instead of standing front and center and really handling her business — as you know the chief executive of the league — that's a problem," Smith asserted. "Cathy Engelbert needs to get her act together."