Stephen A. Smith’s Defensive Response to Criticism of WNBA Coverage on “First Take”

Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst, found himself in hot water after a heated exchange with fellow analyst Monica McNutt on a recent episode of “First Take.” The debate centered around the physicality of the WNBA and whether veteran players were targeting rookie Caitlin Clark out of jealousy.

McNutt, a former basketball player herself, argued that women in the league are just as competitive as men and that physicality is a part of the game. She also pointed out that “First Take” could have been discussing the WNBA more prominently in the past.

Smith, known for his passionate and sometimes controversial takes, was taken aback by McNutt’s comments and later addressed the issue on his podcast. He defended the show’s coverage of women’s sports and highlighted the female analysts who appear on the program.

However, many viewers and fans of the WNBA disagreed with Smith’s assessment, pointing out that the league does not receive as much airtime on “First Take” as other sports. They argued that more coverage and discussion of women’s basketball could help grow the popularity of the league.

The exchange between Smith and McNutt sparked a debate on social media, with many praising McNutt for standing her ground and challenging Smith’s perspective. The incident highlighted the importance of giving women’s sports equal attention and representation in the media.

As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether “First Take” and other sports media outlets will increase their coverage of women’s sports and provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the topic.