Fans react to Caitlin Clark being left off Olympic team
May 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after scoring during the first quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the United States Olympic team has proven to be very divisive among both fans and experts alike.
Social media opinion was divided on whether the decision to omit Clark from the final roster was the correct one. Many who were against it argued that it was a bad idea because Clark is already the most famous women’s basketball player in the country and would bring massive attention to the team and the sport.
Yet Caitlin Clark is not selected to the Team USA Women’s Basketball team heading to Paris for the Olympics?!?! All she does is grow the game, pack arenas, and set rookie records. What a short sighted decision. Lost opportunity. https://t.co/vsOAaUZSJn
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) June 8, 2024
I don’t know enough about USA women’s Olympic basketball to know if Caitlin Clark’s omission is a snub. I do know that, right now, she would be the only reason I would remotely care about USA women’s Olympic basketball. https://t.co/IAP8bulQXg
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 8, 2024
It’s unbelievable how much both the WNBA and USA basketball have botched every step of the way with Caitlin Clark.
They’ve been handed the eyeballs and attention they’ve wanted for decades but because they don’t like who’s bringing them, they refuse to accept them.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) June 8, 2024
Caitlin Clark not making the Olympic team is a travesty.
— chuck swirsky (@ctsbulls) June 8, 2024
Lol, leaving Caitlin Clark off the Olympic team should get everyone involved fired.
— BadgerNoonan (@BadgerNoonan) June 8, 2024
Leaving Caitlin Clark off the Olympics roster is such a massive unforced error.
USA women’s basketball had a chance to elevate even further into the public discourse.
Can’t help but think a few players may have strong armed them into leaving her off.
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) June 8, 2024
Plenty of people took the opposite view, however. Many pointed out that Team USA will likely win the gold medal even without her, and that Clark is not necessarily one of the 12 best American women playing at the moment. Clark probably would not play much during the tournament, and beyond that, has barely had a break since her college season started last fall.
Caitlin Clark wasn't "snubbed". She isn't–at this moment–one of the 12 best American women's basketball players. The Olympic team will be just fine.
— Bill Rohland (@BillRohland) June 8, 2024
Why are we debating Caitlin Clark being on the Olympic team!?!
She…just became a pro and has played…. 12 games.
Please give it a rest pic.twitter.com/b14NFfEhYy
— Brandon Pope TV (@BpopeTV) June 8, 2024
By the time the Olympics come around Caitlin Clark would've been on her 10th straight month of high level basketball. Honestly, I think an actual break will be a good thing for her.
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) June 8, 2024
The Olympics aren’t a popularity contest. These women earned their spots and if she’s good enough, Caitlin will too. But y’all want everything given to her, make her earn her place & I guarantee everyone will be better for it
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) June 8, 2024
I promise you, Caitlin Clark sitting on the bench for 98% of games at the Olympics but commanding 98% of the coverage does not do the service to growing women’s basketball you think it does
— Chris Bumbaca (@BOOMbaca) June 8, 2024
There’s a lot of fake outrage from people who just started watching women’s basketball this year. The (historically undefeated) US Women’s Olympic basketball team will be just fine without Caitlin Clark, and she will be just fine waiting another 4 years for her turn ☕️
— Arielle Orsuto (@ArielleOrsuto) June 8, 2024
Barring something catastrophic, Clark will almost certainly be in line to be a major figure for Team USA in four years. The decision to leave her off the 2024 team is divisive now, but will probably be forgotten by then.