NBA champion Stephen Jackson has blasted LA News Center host Gayle King for her insensitive remarks during an interview with South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley who guided her team to an undefeated season and a third title as coach.
Outspoken Jackson Blasts King
Jackson criticized King in a graphic video posted on social media platform X for her comment during the interview on April 7. He accused King of diminishing Staley’s accomplishment
“Gayle King’s supposed to be somebody that’s big in the journalism space, right? And I don’t consider her Black media. Y’all give her all these passes because she’s Oprah’s friend. I don’t give a f— whose friend she is. You don’t do nothing for nobody.”
Jackson continued his denunciation, criticizing King for her choice of words during the interview, which he believed disrespected Staley’s achievements.
“But you cannot demean Dawn Staley like that. You’re talking to her about winning the championship, about going undefeated. And you have the nerve to get on there and say, ‘We was rooting for Caitlin Clark and you broke everybody’s hearts.’ Who is we? Who is we? All the Black people I know was rooting for Dawn Staley. We’re all fans of Caitlin Clark, but the way you put it, that s— was trash. I’m glad it’s a new day in the media space. You don’t even say stuff like that to somebody on an interview. You demeaned her and made it about Caitlin Clark. That’s trash, super trash.”
Head coach Stephen Jackson of the Trilogy reacts to a play during the game against the Aliens in BIG3 Week Four at Comerica Center on July 10, 2022 in Frisco, Texas. (Logan Riely/Getty Images for BIG3)
The Context
King’s comment in the interview, in which she expressed support for Iowa player Caitlin Clark during South Carolina’s championship game against the Hawkeyes, drew criticism from Jackson. He contended that King’s statement undermined Staley’s accomplishment and trivialized her team’s success.
WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, a South Carolina alum, also condemned King’s remarks, dismissing accusations of jealousy toward Clark. She affirmed her admiration for Clark while emphasizing the inappropriateness of King’s choice of words during the interview.
The Fallout
Jackson’s criticism of King has sparked a debate on social media and within the sports community about the importance of respecting and recognizing the achievements of Black women in sports. Many have expressed their agreement with Jackson, criticizing King for her insensitivity.
Despite the controversy, it’s worth noting that King has had a long and respected career in journalism and is known for her insightful interviews. However, her comments in this particular instance have drawn attention to the need for a more conscious and equitable approach to covering women’s sports.
As the Gamecocks prepare for another potential championship run next season, the legacy of Staley’s remarkable 2024 season and the ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusion in sports will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of women’s basketball.
