Finally, someone dared to put a stop to Shannon Sharpe. The sports analyst has never hidden his support for Caitlin Clark, which sometimes goes a little too far. However, this time Andraya Carter, his broadcast partner on First Take, called out the former player for his incendiary opinions.

Sharpe shined with the NFL’s Denver Broncos in the 1990s. After his retirement, he made a career as a sportscaster and currently hosts the analysis program First Take for ESPN, as well as multiple podcasts. From his platform, Sharpe has been one of the most ardent defenders of the Indiana Fever star.

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In the most recent broadcast of First Take, Sharpe said “Caitlin Clark is box office. She’s doing this. And instead of giving her credit, y’all trying to make it about, ‘oh y’all poo pooing the old guard…’ Nah, I ain’t gonna let it slide.”

This was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Carter, who decided to put a stop to Sharpe’s accusations and, in turn, ask for more respect and recognition for the veterans of the WNBA.

Carter’s fiery response

 

The co-host of First Take was categorical in her response to the former player. “Another level of noise was coming from people – you were among them – who also tried to create a picture around Caitlin that the league was against her,” Carter reproached after Sharpe’s new tirade against the WNBA.

Carter recalled that the noise surrounding the alleged jealousy against Clark is based “on the actions of less than five former players or current players, which also create a lot of noise” around the rookie.

After the segment aired, fans were quick to take sides, some backing Carter, while others defended Clark and Sharpe’s point of view.

The firestorm erupted on social media

 

“Andraya cooked him, lol,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Ate, left no crumbs,” said another regarding Carter’s response, while another criticized Sharpe’s lack of vision saying, “Got glasses, still can’t see…”

Among those who supported Sharpe, one said, “Shannon spot on. If CC walked away today the league and all that comes w CC playing, would drop back down to nothing,” while another said, “Shannon speaking the truth and Stephen A [Smith] & the young lady are making faces…”

While the controversy swirls around her, Clark already earned the AP Rookie of the Year award after leading the Fever to their first playoffs in seven years. Her rookie year is coming to an end, and only time will tell if her situation changes next season.