Watch: ESPN Host Slammed for Caitlin Clark Jab Live on Air
ESPN host Molly Qerim, known for her ties to UConn, faced criticism on social media and a reality check from Stephen A. Smith after she made a comment about Iowa point guard Caitlin Clark.
Qerim, while maintaining a respectful tone, suggested that Clark's success might be attributed to UConn's Paige Bueckers facing injuries in recent seasons.
Smith, however, challenged Qerim's assertion, stating that it sounded like excuses and that her bias toward UConn was influencing her perspective.
Qerim defended her stance, asserting that Bueckers' absence due to injuries might have impacted Clark's rise as a basketball standout.
The exchange between Qerim and Smith garnered attention on social media, with varying reactions to Qerim's viewpoint.
You know women's basketball is on the rise when ESPN starts tearing down great players for absolutely zero reason. https://t.co/c7Cheye9JW
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) April 4, 2024
Yeah. Caitlin would not be hitting logo 3s and making unreal passes? An injury to someone else helped her do that??? Are we for real? https://t.co/JX6EhTjbIj
— Troy Hyde (@troyhyde44) April 4, 2024
Molly Qerim on Caitlin Clark: "All I gotta say is she's lucky this UConn team isn't healthy... if Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are right now."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2024
Stephen A. Smith: "I said that the other day."… pic.twitter.com/440w2rejyB
Molly Qerim on Caitlin Clark: "All I gotta say is she's lucky this UConn team isn't healthy... if Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are right now."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2024
Stephen A. Smith: "I said that the other day."… pic.twitter.com/440w2rejyB
Molly Qerim on Caitlin Clark: "All I gotta say is she's lucky this UConn team isn't healthy... if Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are right now."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2024
Stephen A. Smith: "I said that the other day."… pic.twitter.com/440w2rejyB
Molly Qerim on Caitlin Clark: "All I gotta say is she's lucky this UConn team isn't healthy... if Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are right now."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2024
Stephen A. Smith: "I said that the other day."… pic.twitter.com/440w2rejyB
The debate over whether Bueckers' injuries influenced Clark's success remains unresolved, as noted by The Des Moines Register.
The upcoming matchup between Bueckers and Clark in the Final Four will further fuel discussions about their respective legacies in college basketball.