Stephen A. Smith, host of SiriusXM's "The Stephen A. Smith Show," has issued a strong warning against the increasing politicization of sports, particularly within the WNBA and the discourse surrounding star player Caitlin Clark. Speaking at the Fanatics Fest sports convention in New York City on July 17, Smith expressed concern that political agendas are exploiting sports to deepen societal divisions.
Smith specifically pointed to the debate surrounding Caitlin Clark as an example of how politicians and media figures can fuel divisiveness. He criticized NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for labeling the Clark debate as "political ping pong," suggesting such language could be used by politicians to exacerbate existing societal divides.
"These damn politicians are going to utilize that to contribute to a divide," Smith stated. "You got a binary system, and you got to vote for one side over the other. So they're going to favor her because they're trying to paint somebody else on the other side of the enemy, and that divisiveness kicks in. And we all buy into it — I'm saying we need to stop that."
He appealed to Caitlin Clark and her fellow WNBA players to set aside any differences, emphasizing that unity is crucial. Smith also directly addressed politicians, urging them to refrain from interfering in the sports world.
"Caitlin Clark is not the enemy; she's your friend. Those other ladies ain't her enemies, and she has to know that too," Smith said. "And the (WNBA) commissioner has to commit herself to being a leader and bringing everybody together, so we're able to look at politicians that try to politicize it and tell them to kiss our a--. Go up on Capitol Hill and do your job. Stop trying to sit up there and get in the way of regular folks out here just trying to work hard, earn an honest living and live their life."
Smith's comments come amid a broader discussion involving political figures on both sides of the aisle regarding Clark's treatment and popularity. Representatives like Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., have commented on Clark receiving what they described as "thug treatment," while Rep. Brandon Boyle, D-Pa., engaged in debates about the WNBA's marketing efforts. Even former President Donald Trump weighed in, calling the foul on Clark by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas "a pretty bad event."
Smith has consistently used his platform to criticize what he perceives as political interference in sports, arguing that sports have historically served as a unifying force in America despite broader societal divisions. He stressed the importance of fans resisting the urge to buy into politically charged narratives surrounding athletes and leagues.