Stephen A. Smith took his time, but he finally responded to former NFL player Emmanuel Acho’s hot take on Caitlin Clark late last month. According to Acho, the WNBA “would be better without Caitlin Clark,” and that the Indiana Fever superstar is “a bigger distraction than she is an additive.”
Smith, on his “Stephen A. Smith Show,” ripped the former FS1 host on Friday.
Stephen A. Smith Fires Back at Ex-NFL Player’s Caitlin Clark Claim
Acho’s comments came a few days after the WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for hitting Clark on the throat. After reviewing the controversial incident during the Fever-Phoenix Mercury game on June 24, the league called the play a “non-basketball act.”
Acho, on his “Speakeasy” platform, said that Clark pushed the WNBA “over the necessary threshold” and brought the “necessary eyes,” but “we don’t necessarily need her anymore.”
Smith, who said he respected Acho, ripped that lengthy talk.
“Emmanuel Acho sounds insane, absolutely, positively insane. … I just think that he’s insane with this particular take. Ain’t no way in hell there’s a shred of accuracy or sense to what he just said. Caitlin Clark is the cash cow.” Smith said.
“I don’t care what numbers you see the WNBA making; they’re nothing compared to the numbers Caitlin Clark generates for the WNBA.”
Smith went on to enumerate the improvements in pay, benefits, logistics, and visibility since Clark arrived in 2024. He emphasized that the three-time All-Star is “making over $16 million” just from her off-court endorsements, which he said underlined her impact on the league.
Acho’s comments also seem to contrast how the WNBA sees Clark’s value and impact. Before the season started, the league announced the slate of nationally televised games, totaling 216.
Clark and the Fever were set to appear on national TV for all 44 of their games. The Dallas Wings, featuring Paige Bueckers, came in a distant second with 36. The New York Liberty (35) and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces (33) round up the top 4.
In-arena turnout is another crucial factor highlighting what Clark means to WNBA fans. Based on data from Across the Timeline, the Fever are third in home attendance, averaging 15,868.25 per game. Only the Liberty (16,285.92) and the Golden State Valkyries (18,064) have more.
However, the Fever are just as popular away from Indiana, averaging 14,428.20, the best in the league. The Liberty (10,633.40) and the Valkyries (10,175.09) dropped to ninth and 12th, respectively.
Whether at home or on the road, Clark’s appeal and impact are unquestioned, realities that contradict Acho’s comments that the league doesn’t need her anymore.
SAS just shut up please, your take is no right or wrong it’s just are not GOD and think your take is holy more than anyone else’s, PLEASE SHUT UP.