Report: Caitlin Clark left off Olympic roster in part due to possible criticism over lack of playing time

Fox News is providing special access to select articles and premium content for free when you join their platform. By agreeing to their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, you can enjoy exclusive content with your account. One of the topics causing a stir is the expected decision by USA Basketball to leave Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark off the roster for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. USA Today columnist Christine Brennan reported that one factor in omitting Clark from the national team was concern about her fans’ reaction to limited playing time in the Olympics.

According to sources quoted by Brennan, longstanding U.S. basketball veterans with decades of experience in the women’s game are behind the decision to exclude Clark. This decision has been met with fierce backlash on social media, confirming the narrative that not everyone in the WNBA is pleased with Clark’s popularity. If true, this decision reveals tensions within the women’s basketball community towards the rising star.

Clark was invited to the national team’s training camp in April, but due to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ success in reaching the women’s final in the NCAA tournament, she was unable to attend. Nine other Olympians were invited to camp, including five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury, who is expected to make a return. Clark has previously won three gold medals with USA Basketball junior national teams, including the 2021 USA Women’s U19 National Team.

The decision to exclude Clark from the Olympic roster has sparked controversy and discussions about the dynamics within women’s basketball. Despite her success in junior national teams, Clark’s popularity and potential limited playing time in the Olympics seem to have played a role in the decision. With the U.S. women’s team dominating women’s basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Clark’s absence from the roster raises questions about the selection process and the perceived tensions within the sport.

As debates continue about the decision to leave Clark off the Olympic roster, fans and analysts are closely following the developments in the women’s basketball community. The feedback and backlash on social media highlight the passion and engagement of fans towards the sport. With the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the focus on the women’s national team and its roster selection is generating significant interest and attention across the basketball world.

In conclusion, the omission of Caitlin Clark from the USA Basketball national team roster for the 2024 Olympic Games has sparked debates and raised questions about the selection process and the dynamics within women’s basketball. The decision, attributed to concerns about Clark’s popularity and potential backlash from fans, sheds light on the complexities of roster selections in elite sports. As the women’s national team prepares for the Olympics, the controversy surrounding Clark’s exclusion continues to resonate among fans and followers of the sport, highlighting the ongoing discussions and tensions within women’s basketball.