"Dave Portnoy Slams Stephen A. Smith Over Caitlin Clark Brawl Commentary Controversy"

Dave Portnoy Slams Stephen A. Smith Over Caitlin Clark WNBA Drama
(Images: 1. Stephen A. Smith on "First Take"; 2. Dave Portnoy’s social media post; 3. Marina Mabrey shoving Caitlin Clark; 4. Portnoy demands WNBA action)

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA season took another fiery turn Tuesday night as the Indiana Fever rookie found herself in the middle of on-court clashes during a game against the Connecticut Sun. The drama reignited debates about physicality in the league—and sparked a war of words between Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

The Incident
During Indiana’s 88-71 win, Clark was first poked in the eye by Connecticut’s Jacy Sheldon, leading to a heated exchange. Moments later, Sun guard Marina Mabrey aggressively shoved Clark to the floor in an unprovoked move that drew widespread outrage. Mabrey received only a technical foul, avoiding ejection—a decision the WNBA later admitted was incorrect, upgrading the foul to a Flagrant 2 (which warrants ejection) the following day.

Stephen A. Smith’s Take
On ESPN’s First Take, Smith argued that Clark “instigates resentment” from opponents. “In the heat of competition, tempers flare!” he said, dismissing criticism of the physical play. “Women have tempers just like men. It’s no big deal. I love it.” Smith doubled down on his belief that Clark’s rapid stardom—which has boosted the league’s popularity—fuels jealousy: “There’s resentment because she’s that golden goose lifting all boats.”

Portnoy Fires Back
Portnoy blasted Smith’s comments as out of touch. Referencing Smith’s viral NBA Finals solitaire scandal, he tweeted: “I’ll take ‘Things That Never Happened’ for $100, Alex. Less solitaire. More facts, @stephenasmith.” He later ripped Mabrey as a “jealous loser punk” and called for her removal from the WNBA, arguing the league’s failure to eject her reflected broader negligence.

WNBA Under Scrutiny
Portnoy’s fury extended to WNBA leadership, criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and referees for not protecting Clark: “How do you let people take cheap shots at the face of your league? The most important player in your league?” His rant highlighted frustration over repeated physical incidents targeting Clark, who has faced aggressive play since her draft debut.

Fallout
While the WNBA corrected Mabrey’s punishment post-game, the incident amplified calls for stricter enforcement. Clark, meanwhile, shrugged off the drama post-game, telling reporters: “It’s competitive. Everyone’s fighting for their teams.”

The clash underscores growing tensions between Clark’s meteoric rise and veteran players seemingly determined to “welcome” her to the league—a storyline dividing fans and analysts alike. With Portnoy and Smith at odds, the debate over fairness, physicality, and favoritism in the WNBA shows no signs of cooling.

(Image suggestions: Close-up of Clark reacting to foul; side-by-stephen-a-smith-and-portnoy-headshots; Mabrey’s foul replay still; WNBA logo.)

Final Word
As Clark continues to draw record crowds and ratings, the league faces pressure to balance competitive intensity with player safety. For now, all eyes remain on how the rookie phenom navigates the target on her back—and whether the WNBA will adjust its approach.