ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith tossed a wild but oddly logical warning at the WNBA: Donald Trump might jump into the Caitlin Clark controversy if given the chance. “I happen to know a few people who have said, do not be surprised if President Trump speaks on (this) eventually,” Smith said on First Take.
He spelled it out: “And if that man decides that this is something that can feed his base… and they come to a conclusion that they believe she is being unfairly treated, (it could) be a problem for the WNBA.” In short, if Clark is seen as a victim of overly physical play, Donald Trump could seize the moment and frame it as a talking point.
This isn’t paranoia. A recent Wall Street Journal op-ed suggested a civil-rights probe into the WNBA over injury rates and refereeing disparity facing Caitlin Clark. Now stir in a president who thrives on cultural flashpoints, and you’ve got a potential storm brewing.
Clark’s rookie season has played out as a lightning rod. She’s drawing massive viewership, record-breaking jersey sales, and plenty of criticism over how she’s being guarded—sometimes aggressively locked up on court. Some fans are upset; others see it as proof she’s elevating the league. Either way, Donald Trump—or someone like him—could use that narrative as a wedge if tensions escalate.
Smith’s message was clear: the WNBA has to manage how this story grows—or risk turning sports drama into a national controversy.
Stephen A. Smith Warns Donald Trump Could Flip Caitlin Clark Debate Into Political Storm
Stephen A. Smith believes the WNBA’s Caitlin Clark storyline could spill out of sports and straight into politics—especially if Donald Trump decides to get involved.
Speaking on First Take, Smith explained that Trump might see Clark’s treatment as a cultural flashpoint worth using to connect with his supporters. “Do not be surprised if President Trump speaks on this eventually,” Smith said, noting that the former president has a history of stepping into sports issues when it fits his base.
Clark’s first year in the league has been massive—highlight-reel performances, record crowds, and intense physical matchups that some critics say cross the line. Those moments have fueled debates about fairness, physical play, and whether star players get targeted.
If Donald Trump frames the situation as an example of bias or unfair treatment, it could give the conversation a new political edge. Smith’s point was clear: the WNBA should stay ahead of the narrative, because once politics takes hold, the focus can shift away from basketball—and the league might not control how the story gets told.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
