Caitlin Clark was the better player this year": Shannon Sharpe names his top pick above Paige Bueckers ahead of Sweet 16

ESPN analyst and former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe recently weighed in on the treatment of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA.

Sharpe was recording his podcast, the “Nightcap,” with former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson when he showed film from the Indiana Fever’s recent matchup against the Seattle Storm.

During the game, Clark was nudged from behind by Seattle star Skylar Diggins-Smith. She quietly pushed the Fever rookie when Clark attempted to hype up the crowd.

Sharpe believes this stems from a major problem around the WNBA, where players are mad or even jealous of the 22-year-old star.

He believes Diggins-Smith clearly made contact with Clark on purpose, and he thinks the physical act happened because the rookie was playing so well.

“Man, stop this foolishness,” Sharpe said. “Y’all see the woman speed up. Y’all see her. Caitlin Clark is getting the crowd going. Y’all see Skylar Diggins speed up to make contact with her. Stop This! Y’all mad cause that corn fed, Iowa girl, busting y’all a**. Y’all said she’s too weak. She can’t do this, she leading the WNBA in assists. She cooking! Let her cook! Let her cook!”

Clark finished the game with 23 points, nine assists, and five rebounds.

She headed into the game averaging 17.6 points and a league-leading 8.3 assists per game.

The first-year star has been battling for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award all season, mainly competing against Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

Reese is currently averaging 13.4 points and 12.0 rebounds.

Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) passes the ball to Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22)

Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) passes the ball to Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22)

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout their time in the league, both Clark and Reese have received questionable treatment from WNBA players.

Sharpe focused on Clark’s hit from Diggins-Smith on Sunday, but she’s also been involved in a few physical plays with players like Chennedy Carter, Breanna Stewart, and even Reese.

One of the biggest storylines of the season was Carter’s hit on Clark earlier in the year when the Sky guard pushed the Fever rookie to the floor in the Fever’s 71-70 victory over Chicago on Jun. 1.

Sharpe believes plays like these are foolish, given Clark’s positive impact on the WNBA.