Former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn fired back at ex-colleague Cindy Brunson after being questioned over her sudden focus on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. Defending her recent posts, Cohn highlighted her past WNBA work and noted that 34 years of network restrictions previously kept her true opinions hidden.
‘I’m Not Going To Pretend’ – Linda Cohn Claps Back at Ex-ESPN Colleague Over Caitlin Clark Media Wars
Cohn officially entered the WNBA social media fray after taking issue with several hot takes surrounding the Indiana Fever guard.
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First, Cohn reposted ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr.’s claim that Clark isn’t a top-four guard in the league, adding a sharp caption: “Need a laugh?”
She then called out an episode of The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show where host Zena Keita mistakenly credited Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles with Clark’s single-season WNBA rookie assist record.
Cohn’s posts quickly went viral, prompting former ESPN colleague Cindy Brunson to call her out publicly on X:
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“Curious @lindacohn where was all of the energy to cover the @wnba while you were at ESPN?!? We worked alongside there for 13 yrs & I don’t recall you using your clout to amplify the league or push for highlights on SportsCenter while the company willfully buried the W product.”
Rather than ignoring the callout, Cohn posted a video response on X to set the record straight, opening with:
“Apparently, I’ve become part of the Caitlin Clark Media Wars.”
Cohn directly pushed back against Brunson’s timeline, reminding viewers of her past coverage long before the current boom: “Fun fact, Cindy. I actually did play-by-play for the WNBA for two seasons back in the day on ESPN, when legends like Lisa Leslie and Tamika Catchings were playing in the league… I didn’t just now discover the league existed.”
Cohn then explained why her public commentary feels so different today compared to her decades on network television:
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“For 34 years at ESPN, I sat behind a SportsCenter desk… Obviously, I had opinions, but there was a certain job I was there to do… Now, this is my show… I’m not going to pretend I don’t see what’s happening just because saying it might upset somebody.”
All this media noise comes as the 24-year-old guard continues to drive the national narrative with her play on the court. In her third season leading the Fever, Clark has been sensational, averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
She has routinely torched opposing defenses with high-octane performances, including a 37-point explosion against the Chicago Sky and a dominant 34-point, 12-assist night against the Connecticut Sun.
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Now, the 2024 Rookie of the Year is preparing to take her game international. She is set to play for Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany. Clark’s debut on the senior World Cup stage will undoubtedly continue to keep the spotlight firmly on her.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
