Four-time WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes was one of Caitlin Clark’s harshest critics.

But Swoopes was left speechless during a recent podcast appearance when asked about the topic Indiana Fever stars opens up about her privilege as a white athlete in an interview with Time Magazine after being named Female Athlete of the Year.

Swoopes, who was the first player ever signed by the WNBA, made the admission on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast on Wednesday Clark receives the honor was “great” for the league, but it called into question the criteria that went into Time’s selection.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever celebrates during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

“I don’t think I’m surprised. I’m curious to know who the other candidates were. But the fact that this is the very first one.” WNBA player It’s very special to ever be named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year.

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“My question, as with the criteria, is whether it is based on her performance on the pitch because she has had a great year. Or is it more about the impact she had on the game this season.”

“I think it’s great, not just for them. I think it’s great for the league, right? As everyone has talked about the recognition she has brought to the W this season and her being named Time Magazine’s Female Athlete of the Year I. “I think it’s really great for the league.

Texas Tech graduate Sheryl Swoopes participates in Alumni Weekend at a Texas Tech game against Baylor on Jan. 28, 2023 at United Supermarkets Arena. (Picture)

CAITLIN CLARK ADMITS TO FEELING ‘PRIVILEGED’ AS A WHITE PERSON, SAYS WNBA WAS BUILT ON BLACK PLAYERS

But Swoopes had less to say when asked what she thought of Clark’s admission to the magazine that she benefited from her privilege.

“I want to say I deserve everything, but as a white person there is privilege,” Clark said in the interview.

“A lot of the players in the league who were really good were black players. This league is kind of built on them. The more we can appreciate that, highlight that, talk about it and then continue to have brands.” Companies invest in the players who have made this league great. I think it’s very important that I continue to try to change that. The more we can promote black women, the more beautiful it will be.

Caitlin Clark (22) of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against the Connecticut Sun during Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on September 25, 2024 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)

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When asked about these comments on Wednesday’s podcast, Swoopes said nothing.

She seemed to raise an eyebrow and nod before the subject changed.

Swoopes has been criticized in the past for her hot opinions about Clark. In September, Swoopes said she didn’t believe Clark was “dominating” the league. Clark was later named WNBA Rookie of the Year.

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