Betrayal and Backlash: Nancy Lieberman Explodes as Sheryl Swoopes Sparks Caitlin Clark Firestorm — ‘She Must Be Fired!’”

In what’s shaping up to be the most explosive off-court drama the WNBA has seen in years, two Hall of Famers — once bonded by decades of friendship — are now at war. The battleground? A rookie phenom, Caitlin Clark. The fallout? Accusations of hate, betrayal, and a fiery demand: “Sheryl Swoopes must be fired!”

Welcome to the chaos no one saw coming.

The Spark That Lit the Fire

It all began when WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes appeared on a podcast earlier this year and — in what many fans call a shocking display of bias — downplayed Caitlin Clark’s historic NCAA scoring record. Swoopes inaccurately claimed Clark had played five college seasons and averaged more than 40 shots per game. The reality? Clark shattered the record in four seasons, averaging just under 23 shots per game.

The backlash was swift and brutal. Fans accused Swoopes of being bitter, jealous, or — worse — intentionally misleading. Amid the fury, Swoopes issued a correction and claimed she had privately apologized to Clark. But by then, the damage was done.

The Breaking Point: A Friendship in Flames

Enter Nancy Lieberman, a fellow Hall of Famer and longtime friend of Swoopes — until now.

Lieberman was pulled in as a last-minute replacement for Swoopes on a Fever game broadcast, just days after Swoopes made controversial comments and seemingly supported Chicago Sky’s Diamond DeShields, who had committed a flagrant foul against Clark. Fans erupted once more, accusing Swoopes of showing bias against the rookie.

Lieberman, who openly praised Clark’s poise and talent during the broadcast, later confirmed what many were already speculating: her 32-year friendship with Swoopes was over — all because of Swoopes’ repeated jabs at Clark.

In an emotional interview on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Lieberman didn’t hold back. “It’s not just about Caitlin. It’s about integrity. It’s about facts. And when you lie on national platforms, when you try to downplay someone’s greatness to protect your own legacy — I can’t stand by that.”

She added, “This isn’t the Sheryl I once called a sister.”

“She Must Be Fired!”: Fans Take Sides

Social media erupted with calls to fire Swoopes from all future broadcasts, with hashtags like #FireSwoopes and #ProtectCaitlin trending across platforms. Lieberman, clearly echoing fan sentiment, criticized Swoopes for what she believes is a “pattern” of undermining Clark — not just once, but repeatedly.

“You don’t get to rewrite history just because someone else is shining,” Lieberman said. “This new generation deserves better.”

Swoopes, for her part, attempted to defend herself, stating she “likes Clark’s game” and insisting her critiques were being twisted. But few seemed convinced — especially after she shared screenshots of what she claimed were her apology texts to Clark, prompting critics to accuse her of trying to save face rather than make peace.

Bigger Than Basketball: Race, Respect, and the WNBA’s Future

This drama isn’t just personal — it’s a powder keg of larger conversations around race, respect, media bias, and how the WNBA handles the explosive growth Caitlin Clark has brought to the league.

Some argue that Clark is being unfairly targeted because of her rapid rise and the massive media machine behind her. Others believe the real issue is jealousy from WNBA veterans who fear being overshadowed.

“I love this league,” Lieberman said. “But we can’t grow if we’re tearing down the very stars who are putting us on the global stage. We’ve got to evolve — or we die in bitterness.”

Where Does the League Go From Here?

As of now, the WNBA has not commented officially on the feud. But sources confirm that Lieberman is expected to take on more broadcast responsibilities moving forward, while Swoopes’ future in commentary remains uncertain.

One thing is clear: the WNBA is no longer just about what happens on the court. The off-court drama is just as intense, and fans are choosing sides in what feels more like a reality show than a sports league.

Final Word

Whether you see it as a case of professional jealousy, media overreaction, or a deeper cultural reckoning, one thing is undeniable — the WNBA is in a storm, and Caitlin Clark is at the eye of it.

And now, as legends burn bridges and fans light torches, the only question left is:
Who’s next in the line of fire?

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes fires back after Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman claimed Caitlin Clark controversy ended their friendship

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has fired back at Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman after she claimed the Caitlin Clark controversy ended their friendship.

Lieberman appeared on Stephen A. Smith’s show on Monday and talked all things Clark and Swoopes, after calling the Indiana Fever’s game against the Dallas Wings on Sunday.

According to Smith, Swoopes was axed from being on the broadcast team for the game because of her past controversy with Clark and replaced with Lieberman.

The former Detroit Shock head coach did not deny the switch and went further by deciding to publicize details of their friendship, saying a phone call trying to help Swoopes understand facts about Clark is what drove a wedge between them.

‘Well, she got upset with me on the phone. And I was like “Sheryl, I’m not doing anything to hurt you. I’m just sharing.” And so our relationship pretty much is not happening at this point,’ Lieberman shared. ‘I tried to talk to her at the Final Four, she didn’t want to talk to me.’

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Caitlin Clark has drawn incredible support and criticism since joining the Indiana Fever

Lieberman and Swoopes appear not to be on speaking terms after a disagreement about Clark

Swoopes responded to Lieberman’s claim on social media shortly after saying it to Smith.

‘Now here you go! I get what you trying to do wit ya boy @stephenasmith but it ain’t working,’ Swoopes retorted. ‘You know good and well what happened. And ditto…my life is good without you too(and him). You wanna go there?’

Smith and Swoopes have traded online jabs for the better part of this year when it comes to Clark.

Swoopes has been critical of Clark on a few occasions, while Smith has been a vocal supporter of the Indiana Fever star.

Lieberman has called herself an overall supporter of women’s basketball at this point in her career and did not have anything negative to say of Clark

Some online have criticized Smith for taking about Swoopes with everyone but Swoopes herself.

Whether or not the Texas Tech legend would accept an interview request from Smith is unknown.