‘The tone has changed’ – Monica McNutt addresses Stephen A. Smith First Take feud and criticizes ‘absolutely false’ narrative

ESPN analyst Monica McNutt addressed her recent on-air feud with Stephen A. Smith.

The 34-year-old sportscaster went viral after clashing with Smith on a June 3 episode of First Take.

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McNutt challenged Stephen A. on his commitment to covering the WNBA for the “last three years.”

The pair had been debating Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league since she was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.

“Who talks more about the WNBA, who talks more about women’s sports than First Take?” Stephen A. became enraged during the violent argument.

“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted,” McNutt retorted.

McNutt broke her silence on the discussion with a brief post on X yesterday, adding that she and Stephen A. were “all good.”

The former college basketball star spoke with Jon Stewart on Monday night to discuss the fallout from the “big viral moment.”

“My point is that this narrative that it’s the league against Caitlin Clark is absolutely false,” she said. The daily program.

“It’s unfair to the women who have been there building this league so far, so Caitlin Clark’s popularity could take it to the next level.

“By the end of [First Take] transmission, the tone changed.

“I needed to put my foot down a little.”

Rookie Clark has been credited with an explosion in the WNBA’s popularity, with ticket sales soaring since she entered the league.

“This has been a snowball effect to get to this stage [of the WNBA’s popularity]” McNutt continued.

“While Caitlin is fantastic and I think she will have an incredible career in the WNBA, there are women who deserved coverage before her arrival.”

“And I will not be silenced when it comes to this,” McNutt added, to applause from the Daily Show audience.

“It’s so refreshing to see these two talking!!! Monica McNutt’s passion is brilliant!” responded one fan to the exchange.

“Monica McNutt is a brilliant, first-class professional journalist and analyst. I’m so happy she’s on this platform here,” said another.

‘Who talks about the WNBA the most?’

Stephen A. Smith had a disagreement with Monica McNutt on First Take about women’s basketball this week.

Smith said she didn’t like how she had to “watch every syllable” when talking about the WNBA, but McNutt wasn’t happy with her statement.

“Welcome to the world of being a woman, Stephen A,” she said.

“How you have to dance about your choice of words and how you have to please everyone as you navigate your being.”

Stephen A. made a comment that really excited McNutt.

“Who talks more about the WNBA, who talks more about women’s sports than First Take?” Stephen A. said.

McNutt was clearly irritated by her question and set the record straight on live TV.

“Stephen A., respectfully, with your platform, you could have been doing this three years ago if you wanted,” McNutt said.

Molly Qerim and Shannon Sharpe looked stunned, and Qerim tried to take the show to a commercial break, but the awkward moment continued.

After Stephen A. muttered “wow,” McNutt assured him that he thought he could have done more.

“You’re my guy,” McNutt said.

“But I’m talking to you.”

“You’re my girl,” Smith replied.

“But you missed too many episodes of First Take.”

“It’s great to see Monica out of the ESPN circus,” added a third.

McNnutt joined ESPN in 2019 and is now a regular on its sports programming.

She calls the New York Knicks and also appears on First Take, Get Up and SportsCenter.

Stephen A. had previously responded to McNutt on his podcast following their on-air disagreement.

“I challenge anyone to find a show on sports television that discusses women’s issues, that discusses the WNBA, or women’s sports that highlights and profiles female analysts more than First Take,” he said.

“This has been going on for years.”