Sheryl Swoopes, a WNBA legend with four championships and three MVP titles, has just experienced the most painful downfall of her post-playing career. According to multiple sources, Swoopes has been removed from her analyst role on WNBA TV after making controversial and false statements about rising star Caitlin Clark.

It all started when Swoopes claimed on a podcast in February that Clark had played five years at Iowa and used a COVID-19 eligibility waiver to break the NCAA scoring record. In reality, Clark only played four years and did not use the extra year. This misinformation outraged the basketball community, who felt Swoopes was deliberately undermining Clark’s accomplishments.

The controversy peaked when Swoopes was noticeably absent from the broadcast team during the Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings game on September 1, 2024. Although Swoopes stated her contract only included seven games and had ended prior to that match, many believe her absence was directly tied to tensions with Clark.

Nancy Lieberman, another WNBA icon, stepped in to replace Swoopes for the broadcast and publicly criticized her for being unfair and factually inaccurate in her comments about Clark. The drama didn’t stop there—Lieberman later revealed that her friendship with Swoopes had ended after she tried to offer constructive feedback, which Swoopes rejected.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark continues to shine in her rookie season. She leads the WNBA in assists, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and was named to the All-WNBA First Team. Her presence has significantly boosted viewership and interest in the league, sparking what many call the “Caitlin Clark Effect.”

Swoopes’ story serves as a stark reminder that no matter how glorious your past, failing to evolve and respect the new generation can lead to serious consequences. In contrast, Clark is proving she is not just the future—but the present—of women’s basketball.