In a segment that’s already gone viral across ESPN, Twitter (X), and YouTube, longtime sports commentator Stephen A. Smith delivered a blistering takedown of streamer Adin Ross — following Ross’s controversial remarks about the WNBA, including calling the league “a tax write-off for the NBA” and declaring that only Caitlin Clark was “worthy” of demanding higher pay.

“I’m sick of it,” Smith said on Tuesday’s edition of First Take. “These kids with millions of followers who think they know something about sports because they sit behind a mic and yell for likes. Adin Ross doesn’t know the first damn thing about the WNBA, and his comments prove it.”

“Don’t You Dare Use Caitlin Clark to Tear Down Other Women”

Smith — a vocal supporter of both women’s sports and Caitlin Clark in particular — didn’t hold back when responding to Ross’s statement that “unless you’re Caitlin Clark, you don’t deserve to wear that [protest] shirt.”

“Caitlin Clark is a phenom, a star, and a generational talent — we all know that. But do not, I repeat, do not use her as a weapon to diminish other women who built this league from scratch. That’s not support. That’s exploitation.”

Smith continued:

“What about A’ja Wilson? Breanna Stewart? Diana Taurasi? These women carried this league before Clark ever stepped on a WNBA court. To ignore them is not only ignorant — it’s disrespectful. Adin Ross isn’t praising Clark. He’s using her to justify his misogyny.”

“A Tax Write-Off? You’re Financially Illiterate.”

One of the most controversial moments from Ross’s stream came when he referred to the WNBA as a “tax write-off” for the NBA — a statement Smith dismantled in seconds.

“The WNBA is projected to generate more sponsorship revenue in 2025 than at any point in its history. You want to talk ratings? Caitlin Clark’s debut was watched by more people than any regular-season NHL game last year. The ticket demand has skyrocketed. Charter flights were implemented. You call that a ‘write-off’? No — that’s called growth, and if you had a clue about economics or media rights, you’d know that.”

Smith, visibly agitated, paused before adding:

“These platforms — YouTube, Kick, whatever — they’ve created a generation of loud mouths with no knowledge, no discipline, and no respect. And they’re being followed by millions. That’s what terrifies me.”

The Manosphere and Misogyny in Sports

Without naming names beyond Ross, Smith also took aim at a broader trend infecting sports discourse: the rise of “manosphere” influencers who cloak their commentary in “just being honest” while spreading sexist narratives.

“Let’s stop pretending this is about sports,” Smith said. “It’s about fear. Fear that women are taking up space, getting paid, getting recognized. So they try to hide behind so-called ‘business takes’ when really, it’s just fragile masculinity with a mic.”

He continued:

“Adin Ross and his ilk don’t care about revenue. They care that women are finally getting the shine they deserve. And when that makes them uncomfortable, they lash out — with ignorance disguised as opinion.”

“You’re Not Protecting Clark — You’re Abusing Her Name”

Perhaps Smith’s most striking moment came when he accused Ross of weaponizing Caitlin Clark’s name.

“You’re not standing up for Caitlin. You’re using her. Clark has never once disrespected her peers. She’s credited the women who came before her. She’s taken cheap shots, physical abuse, online hate — and handled it all with class. What you’re doing, Mr. Ross, is attaching yourself to her image to launch grenades at the women around her. That’s not admiration. That’s manipulation.”

Fallout Continues: Ross Losing Sponsors, Facing Public Backlash

Ross’s comments have already resulted in major financial consequences. Sources close to his team confirmed that at least two brand deals valued over $3 million combined have been pulled in the last 72 hours.

Meanwhile, clips of Ross calling rapper Doechii “a talentless b***h” and attacking WNBA players as “entitled losers” continue to circulate — prompting calls for boycotts from feminist organizations and athletes alike.

Even ESPN colleague and former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike weighed in, tweeting:

“We don’t need your support if it comes with your contempt. You can cheer Clark without insulting every woman who made this league possible.”

Political Repercussions — Or Lack Thereof

Interestingly, no major political figure from the Democratic Party has yet publicly addressed Ross’s comments, despite the issue aligning with broader themes of gender equality and representation.

But Smith didn’t hesitate to fill that vacuum:

“Where are our so-called leaders? If this had been about a male athlete, half of Congress would’ve tweeted by now. But when it’s the WNBA, we suddenly get shy? That’s a disgrace. And it’s why I’m using this platform today — because silence, at this point, is complicity.”

A Final Word — And a Warning

Stephen A. Smith closed his monologue with a message directly aimed at Ross and those like him:

“You want to talk sports? Learn the game. Learn the business. Learn the history. Because if you come into this arena talking nonsense, you will be corrected — not just by me, but by every fan, every journalist, and every woman who’s ever stepped onto a court and earned what you will never understand: respect.”

Then, with his trademark pause and narrowed glare, he finished:

“Adin Ross… keep Caitlin Clark’s name out your mouth until you learn what the hell you’re talking about.”