‘I’m going to say it’ – Stephen A. Smith shares ‘very unpopular’ opinion on WNBA

Stephen A. Smith is never one to bite his tongue, and he’s proved it again with the WNBA.

Throughout the season, the WNBA copped a ton of flak for being way too passive and dodging the heavy cultural and political debates swirling around the league. Instead of providing clear direction on major issues like player eligibility and the transgender debate, leadership largely let different narratives run wild.

Fans and analysts also pointed out how inconsistent the league’s discipline felt when handing out fines or suspensions for on-court chaos.

And things boiled over when players like Sophie Cunningham openly called out Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, arguing that the league’s top brass lacked the bold leadership needed to steer the sport through its growth.

Stephen A. Smith has ripped into WNBA leadership and media pundits, calling out the league for chaotic venue logistics and a passive approach to cultural issues.

Arguing that nobody has the guts to tackle controversy head-on, as well as defending Sophie Cunningham and addressing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s upcoming retirement.

Talking on Stephen A. Smith Sports, he said: “I’m going tell you something else, too. And it’s going to be a very unpopular position, but I don’t I could give less than a damn. I’m going to say it. And this just ain’t to the players. This just ain’t to the leagues, but it’s the pundits covering the WNBA, too. What’s the appropriate word for that fudge? What is it? Some damn guts.

“Sophie Cunningham for the Indiana Fever makes noise without political positions. And you got a whole bunch of people cowering away from it. Kelsey Mitchell speaks out about how uncomfortable it’s been to be a member of the Indiana Fever, even from her own fan base. And it takes Caitlyn Clark sitting at a podium answering questions for people to be willing to talk about it.

“You got elected officials sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong and we got a bunch of people cowering away from tackling the issue. Well, what are you here for? Every single controversial, supposed controversial issue that has come associated with the WNBA, we see the league cowering away from the issue. What you there for? No wonder Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is stepping down. Go ahead and step down then. You got to be willing to tackle these issues fearlessly. It’s your league.”

Honestly, a ton of the drama with guys like Enes Kanter and Royce White could’ve easily been avoided if the league just dropped a clear, firm definition instead of dodging the issue.

Fixing this mess is going to take a real, no-nonsense leader who isn’t afraid to step up and take control.