For months, Sheryl Swoopes has been on a relentless crusade against Caitlin Clark, making false claims, belittling her achievements, and questioning her impact. From saying that Clark was a 25-year-old playing against teenagers to suggesting that her NCAA scoring record wasn’t legitimate, Swoopes has consistently downplayed the WNBA’s biggest rising star.

But now, Cheryl Miller has entered the conversation—and she isn’t holding back.

In a hard-hitting interview on the All The Smoke podcast, Miller called out Swoopes’ misinformation, labeling her a “big dummy”, and set the record straight on why Clark’s presence in the league is game-changing.

This isn’t just about defending Clark—Miller’s words signal a major shift in the way legends of the game view the new generation, and Indiana Fever fans should be thrilled.

Sheryl Swoopes’ War Against Caitlin Clark

Before we break down Cheryl Miller’s response, let’s unpack Swoopes’ bizarre attacks against Clark.

🔹 False Claim #1 – Caitlin Clark Was a 25-Year-Old Playing Against Teenagers

Swoopes outrageously claimed that Clark was playing college basketball as a 25-year-old veteran dominating younger competition.
The truth? Clark was 22, the same age as most NCAA seniors.

🔹 False Claim #2 – Clark Took 40 Shots a Game

Swoopes painted Clark as a selfish volume shooter, saying she put up 40 shots a game.
Reality check: Clark averaged 22.7 field goal attempts per game—far from the exaggerated number Swoopes pushed.

🔹 False Claim #3 – Clark Needed Five Years to Break the NCAA Scoring Record

When Clark was on the verge of becoming the all-time leading scorer, Swoopes tried to discredit her, saying:
“If you break a record, you should do it in the same amount of time as the original player.”
Reality? Clark broke the record in four years, just like previous record-holders, and chose not to use her fifth-year eligibility.

🔹 False Claim #4 – Clark Would Struggle in the WNBA

Swoopes claimed that Clark wouldn’t dominate in the WNBA and that her transition would be difficult.
Reality? Clark finished her rookie season averaging 19.2 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game, securing Rookie of the Year honors and breaking multiple records.

Swoopes’ constant criticism made headlines, but her narrative fell apart as Clark continued proving her wrong.

Enter Cheryl Miller – A Basketball Legend Steps Up for Clark

After months of one-sided attacks, Cheryl Miller finally spoke up—and she didn’t hold back.

In her interview on All The Smoke, Miller immediately shut down Swoopes’ false claims, calling her out in the most direct way possible:

“Come on, you big dummies!”

🔥 Miller wasn’t just defending Clark—she was exposing the hypocrisy behind Swoopes’ criticism.

She pointed out that:

Clark’s work ethic is undeniable—she has been putting in the work since childhood, just like any great player.
The media didn’t “gift” Clark anything—she earned her hype through historic performances.
Clark’s impact goes beyond scoring—her court vision, passing ability, and leadership are just as impressive.

Miller, who coached Clark during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, saw firsthand what makes her special.

“She sees the game in a 3D version. I didn’t realize how talented she was until I coached her. Her passing is next level,” Miller said.

This wasn’t just generic praise—it was validation from one of the greatest basketball minds in history.

A Moment That Defined Clark’s Rookie Season

One of the most powerful moments in Miller’s interview was when she recounted her emotional interaction with Clark after Indiana’s first win of the season.

“She was getting hit left and right, and I just hugged her and said, ‘I’m so proud of you.’”

Clark, overwhelmed, reportedly sighed in relief, saying:

“Finally, someone on my side.”

This revealed just how isolated Clark has felt—constantly criticized, underestimated, and attacked by figures like Swoopes, yet expected to carry the weight of the WNBA’s growth on her shoulders.

Miller’s words weren’t just encouragement—they were a lifeline.

“Keep being you. No matter what, keep being you,” she told Clark.

Miller Exposes the Real Issue: Why Are Some Legends Trying to Tear Clark Down?

While Miller praised Clark, she also called out a troubling trend—why are some former WNBA greats so determined to discredit Clark’s success?

Miller pointed out that Clark’s presence in the league has increased visibility, ticket sales, and revenue, yet some of the loudest critics are the ones benefiting from it the most.

She said it plainly:

“You big dummies—you’re getting paid because of her!”

Clark isn’t taking away opportunities—she’s creating them.

This is a hard truth that many critics don’t want to admit.

Why This Interview Changes Everything

Miller’s interview wasn’t just a defense of Clark—it was a turning point in the narrative.

For too long, critics like Swoopes controlled the conversation, making it seem like Clark’s success was undeserved.

Now, a respected legend like Miller has set the record straight, and fans are rallying behind Clark.

Key Takeaways from Miller’s Defense of Clark:

✅ Clark is a generational talent, and her success is well-earned.
✅ The WNBA is benefiting from her presence, and it’s time to acknowledge her impact.
✅ The attacks from former players are not about basketball—they’re about protecting outdated narratives.

As Miller put it:

“Indiana has a bright future. They’re fearless. And Caitlin Clark is leading the way.”

Final Thoughts – What’s Next for Clark and the WNBA?

With Miller’s backing, the anti-Clark narrative is collapsing.

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Clark will continue proving her doubters wrong—just as she did in college, and just as she did in her rookie season.

Meanwhile, figures like Swoopes will have to face the reality—the basketball world is moving forward, and Clark is at the center of it.

Miller’s powerful words have ensured one thing:

Clark isn’t just a rising star—she’s already one of the most important players in WNBA history.

And this is just the beginning.