Senator’s Jack Smith Question Confused Atlanta Hawks With Iowa Hawkeyes
During a Senate hearing, Sen. Eric Schmitt claimed Jack Smith had been in Atlanta for an Atlanta Hawks game on Feb. 3, 2024. Smith said he was actually in Maryland watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, where Caitlin Clark scored 38 points. The article compares that college game with the Hawks’ overtime win over the Warriors, when Stephen Curry scored 60.
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Eric Schmitt said text messages placed Jack Smith at an Atlanta Hawks–Golden State Warriors game on Feb. 3, 2024. Smith replied he was in Maryland for Iowa Hawkeyes–Maryland Terrapins, drawn by Caitlin Clark. Iowa won 93–85; Clark had 38 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, and made seven of 17 three-pointers.
The Atlanta game went to overtime, with the Hawks beating Golden State 141–134. Stephen Curry scored 60, including 10-of-23 from deep, while Trae Young led Atlanta. Schmitt’s evidence also overlooked that the Atlanta arena’s seating rows use letters, not numbers. Smith attended with U.S. Marshals personnel, which was confirmed.
This mix-up may draw more eyes to women’s college basketball, especially Caitlin Clark’s Iowa career, while also giving political observers another example of how quickly unverified claims can spread. Senators, staff, and audiences could face heightened scrutiny over evidence presented in hearings. Sports fans may debate which Feb. 3 game was more memorable, but the larger effect could be a reminder that names, venues, and details matter when public officials make accusations. It may also shape how media covers future Capitol Hill sports references.