Sheryl Swoopes Applauds Caitlin Clark's Historic Nike Deal

Sheryl Swoopes, a Hall of Famer in women's basketball, publicly apologized to WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark after making incorrect statements about her collegiate career. Swoopes mistakenly claimed Clark played five years and took over 40 shots per game during her time at Iowa, while Clark actually played four seasons with an average of 22.7 shots. Following backlash from fans, Swoopes reached out to Clark, expressing respect for her accomplishments and receiving a gracious response in return. Despite past criticisms, Swoopes acknowledged the significance of Clark's recent $28 million Nike contract, the largest in women's basketball history, and reflected on the growth of women's sports since her own Nike deal in 1997. Swoopes emphasized the emotional impact of seeing contemporary athletes achieving what she could only dream of in her era. The exchange highlights a broader narrative of mentorship and respect in women's sports.