qq Enough is enough. Cheryl Miller finally broke her silence — and she didn’t whisper…

For months, the WNBA narrative has been dominated by a peculiar and often uncomfortable tension. On one side, there is Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom who has shattered records, filled arenas, and brought an unprecedented spotlight to the league. On the other side, there has been a steady drumbeat of skepticism, criticism, and what many fans perceive as outright jealousy from some of the game’s established figures.

The most vocal of these critics has been Sheryl Swoopes, a legend in her own right, whose comments about Clark—ranging from incorrect stats to dismissing her impact—have fueled endless social media firestorms. But now, another titan of the game has entered the chat, and she brought a flamethrower.

Cheryl Miller, a Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest players to ever touch a basketball, recently sat down for an interview on the “All The Smoke” podcast. What followed was not just a defense of Caitlin Clark; it was a systematic dismantling of the “hate campaign” that has followed the rookie since draft day. In a moment that has already gone viral, Miller looked directly into the camera and addressed the critics with a phrase that will surely go down in history: “Come on, you big dummies.”

Miller vs. The Myths

Miller didn’t mince words when addressing the specific narratives that have been used to diminish Clark’s achievements. She zeroed in on the strange pattern of criticism that began during Clark’s time at Iowa and followed her to the pros.

“We have seen Cheryl Swoopes relentlessly target Caitlin Clark with some of the most strange and unfounded accusations imaginable,” the commentary surrounding Miller’s interview noted. These included the bizarre claim that Clark was a “25-year-old playing against teenagers” (she was 22) or that she took “40 shots a game” (she averaged 22.7).

Miller, known for her blunt honesty, called out the hypocrisy of these statements. “You’re getting paid now, right?” she asked rhetorically, alluding to the massive influx of revenue, charter flights, and attention that Clark’s presence has generated for the entire league. To criticize the very person lifting the financial tide of the WNBA seemed, to Miller, not just petty, but foolish.

A Legend’s Perspective: “I Know What It’s Like to Be Hated”

Perhaps the most powerful moment of the interview came when Miller shifted from stats to emotions. She revealed a profound empathy for Clark, rooted in her own experiences as a trailblazer who faced immense pressure.

“I can relate to that young lady, and I felt for her,” Miller said, her voice dropping to a serious tone. “I know what it’s like to be hated.”

Miller acknowledged that Clark has a certain “cockiness” and confidence—traits she loves—but noted that the media narrative and the reaction from peers had created a toxic environment. “She was being struck with everything from left to right,” Miller observed.

This wasn’t just an observation from afar. Miller had a front-row seat to the Caitlin Clark experience when she coached Team WNBA in the All-Star Game against Team USA. That experience, she said, was the “best coaching job ever.” It allowed her to see Clark not as a media creation, but as a basketball savant.

“I didn’t know how talented she was and how well she sees the game in a 3D version,” Miller admitted, praising Clark’s defensive instincts and passing ability—aspects of her game that critics often ignore.

The Hug Heard ‘Round the World

The interview also shed light on a touching, private moment between the two legends that occurred after the Indiana Fever secured their first victory of the 2025 season. Amidst the swirling negativity, Miller sought Clark out on the court.

“When she spotted me, I gave her the greatest hug I could manage,” Miller recounted.

Clark’s reaction was heartbreakingly vulnerable. According to Miller, the rookie exhaled and said, “Oh man, finally someone who’s on my side.”

That simple sentence encapsulates the isolation Clark has likely felt. Despite the millions of fans, the locker room of public opinion has often felt cold. Miller’s response was a lifeline. “I’m so proud of you,” she told Clark. “Savor this. Use this as a formula. But keep being you. No matter what, keep being you.”

The “Big Dummy” Reality Check

Miller’s intervention is a turning point in the discourse surrounding Caitlin Clark. When a figure of Cheryl Miller’s stature—unimpeachable, respected, and knowledgeable—calls out the absurdity of the criticism, it validates what many fans have felt for a long time.

She pointed out that the “crown” Clark wears is heavy, and it wasn’t self-anointed; it was placed there by a world desperate for a new icon. For peers to resent her for carrying that weight, while simultaneously cashing the checks that weight generates, is the definition of counterproductive.

“Your peers, they will recognize her game, but they won’t recognize her impact,” Miller noted, highlighting the cognitive dissonance in the league. “How can you separate the two?”

A New Chapter

Cheryl Miller’s “All The Smoke” appearance has done more than just generate clicks; it has shifted the energy. By labeling the blind hatred as “dumb” and wrapping her arms around the future of the league, she has given permission for the basketball world to finally celebrate greatness without qualification.

The message to the “big dummies” is clear: The train has left the station. You can either get on board and enjoy the ride (and the money), or you can stay on the platform complaining about the schedule. Caitlin Clark is here to stay, and as Cheryl Miller confirmed, she’s got a Hall of Famer in her corner.