“Isn’t this similar to what Rodman said about Larry Bird?” – WNBA fans blast Stephen A. Smith’s racial take on Caitlin Clark……

Stephen A. Smith has come under fire from WNBA fans for his recent comments about Caitlin Clark, which many perceived as racially insensitive. This controversy echoes the infamous remarks Dennis Rodman made about Larry Bird in the 1980s. Rodman suggested that Bird, if he were Black, would be considered just another good player, a sentiment that Isiah Thomas supported, attributing Bird’s acclaim partly to his race.

Smith’s comments about Clark, a prominent white player in women’s basketball, seemed to imply that her race might be a factor in the heightened praise she receives. Fans quickly drew parallels to Rodman’s controversial statement about Bird, which was criticized for diminishing Bird’s skills by suggesting his race played a significant role in his recognition.

The backlash against Smith highlights ongoing concerns about racial biases in sports. By suggesting that Clark’s race influences public and media perception, Smith’s remarks have sparked a debate about the fairness of such judgments. Just as Rodman’s comments cast a shadow over Bird’s achievements, Smith’s words have similarly clouded the discourse around Clark, prompting calls for a more equitable and skill-focused evaluation of athletes regardless of race.