🔥 2 Minutes Ago: Sheryl Swoopes Canceled Over Caitlin Clark Comments – Charles Barkley’s Response MELTS the Internet!

 

Just two minutes ago, the sports world was rocked by the announcement that Sheryl Swoopes, a pioneer of women’s basketball and three-time WNBA MVP, has been let go from her position as a WNBA analyst and commentator following a string of explosive remarks targeting rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

Charles Barkley Slams 'Jealous' WNBA Media for Caitlin Clark Treatment

The decision to fire Swoopes comes after days of mounting pressure, online fury, and growing tensions inside the league.

The drama began when Swoopes, appearing on a recent podcast, openly questioned Caitlin Clark’s impact, talent, and—most controversially—her race.

“If her name wasn’t Caitlin, if she wasn’t blonde, would we even be talking about her?” she said.

“There are plenty of other players putting up numbers who never get this attention.

” The statement, perceived by many as both dismissive and racially charged, lit a match under an already divided fan base.

Fans of Clark—who has shattered viewership records, ticket sales, and brought unprecedented mainstream attention to the WNBA—immediately called foul.

Social media erupted with hashtags like #ProtectCaitlin, #SwoopesOut, and #LetWomenShine, pushing the controversy into the national spotlight.

Within 48 hours, petitions were circulating demanding Swoopes’ removal from her WNBA media roles.

2 MINT AGO;Sheryl Swoopes FIRED After Hating on Caitlin Clark—Charles  Barkley GOES OFF in Response!

But the final blow came when none other than Charles Barkley unleashed an unscripted, uncensored tirade in Clark’s defense, live on air during an NBA segment.

“You gotta be kidding me with this bulls**t,” Barkley snapped.

“That girl has done more for women’s basketball in six months than some folks did in decades.

And you’re gonna tear her down instead of lifting her up? Come on!”

He didn’t stop there.

“Sheryl Swoopes is a legend.

No doubt,” Barkley continued.

“But this whole ‘tear down the new girl’ attitude? That’s petty.

That’s jealousy.

Caitlin Clark is not the enemy—she’s the moment.

Either help grow the game, or get outta the damn way.

Sheryl Swoops FIRED After Caitlin Clark Racism Charles Barkley Didn't Hold  Back About Caitlin Clark! READ MORE 👇👇 #caitlinclark #angelreese  #chicagosky #indianafever #wnba #sabrinaionescu #dianataurasi #cherylreeve  #espn #lexiehull #ajawilson ...

The clip of Barkley’s takedown went instantly viral, racking up millions of views across X, TikTok, and Instagram in under an hour.

Even sports outlets that usually stay silent on WNBA drama couldn’t ignore the firestorm.

ESPN, Bleacher Report, and The Athletic all ran emergency coverage of the backlash, with insiders hinting that Barkley’s outburst tipped the scales behind the scenes and accelerated the decision to cut ties with Swoopes.

Meanwhile, Clark herself has remained characteristically calm and graceful amid the chaos, issuing only a brief statement through her team: “I’m focused on playing hard, improving every day, and showing respect to those who came before me.

” But those close to her say she was “hurt and blindsided” by the remarks, especially coming from someone as iconic as Swoopes.

Caitlin Clark incident mocked by team-mate and player who poked her in the  eye | NBA | Sport | Express.co.uk

The WNBA, already grappling with cultural clashes, generational divides, and questions about how to handle Clark’s massive crossover appeal, is now facing an even more intense spotlight.

Many are asking: Is this about basketball—or identity politics?

To some, Swoopes’ firing represents accountability.

To others, it’s a silencing of valid criticism.

But no matter which side you’re on, the fallout is undeniable—and it’s already reshaping the entire WNBA narrative.

The league has released a short, carefully worded statement confirming that Swoopes is “no longer affiliated with any league programming or broadcasts,” but declined to comment further.

Inside sources say more staff shakeups could be on the way, as leadership tries to walk the tightrope between honoring veteran voices and embracing the future face of the league.

As for Charles Barkley? He’s doubling down.

Caitlin Clark points: Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream stats

Just hours after his viral comments, he posted a follow-up message: “I stand by every word.

Caitlin Clark is great for basketball.

Period.

If that makes people mad, they weren’t watching the game anyway.

The verdict from the public? Loud.

Divided.

Unrelenting.

Some are cheering the firing, calling it a long-overdue moment of reckoning in a sport that has too often turned inward instead of outward.

Others say this sets a dangerous precedent for former players who dare to speak their mind.

But one thing is crystal clear: Caitlin Clark’s rise isn’t just about scoring points—it’s exposing deep cracks in the culture of the WNBA.

And Sheryl Swoopes? Her legacy may never look the same again.

This isn’t just a firing.

It’s a culture war in sneakers.

And it’s only just beginning.