Stephen A. Smith calls Team USA’s decision to snub Caitlin Clark ‘idiocy’ and ‘stupid.’
Stephen A. Smith called out Team USA for its decision to snub Caitlin Clark for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Smith thought that Clark was the perfect player to grow the women’s game even more on a larger scale. He even compared it to why Christian Laettner made the Dream Team over Shaquille O’Neal in 1992.
In a fiery rant on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday, the crew of Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter discussed Clark’s non-inclusion to Team USA’s 12-woman roster for the Olympics. The eccentric ESPN analyst could not believe that the most marketable player in the world today wouldn’t be in the biggest event of the year.
“This is about what I will personally label ‘The Idiocy of Team USA Women’s Basketball.’ How dare you make this decision? It’s stupid,” Smith said.
Stephen A. Smith explained that every woman on the 12-man roster deserved their spot and was rightfully selected over Caitlin Clark. However, Smith pointed out that it’s not just about basketball and it’s all about growing the WNBA as a brand.
Team USA has dominated the Olympics over the past three decades, so the inclusion of Clark wouldn’t put a dent in their chances of taking the gold medal. Stephen A. thought that putting the Indiana Fever star was the perfect marketing strategy to grow the WNBA around the world.
The 56-year-old analyst even brought up why Christian Laettner was selected over Shaquille O’Neal in the 1992 Dream Team. Laettner had appeal and the team didn’t need Shaq since they already had the greatest team ever assembled led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Stephen A. also made an example with his “First Take” crew. In addition to knowledge about the game, he brought in Shannon Sharpe, Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter because they attract viewers. It’s one of the qualities needed to expand the brand, which results in having more money for everyone involved.
Caitlin Clark comments on being snubbed by Team USA
Caitlin Clark took her snub from the Team USA roster with class and respect. Clark told reporters that she was informed ahead of the reveal just like those players who made the team. She will continue supporting her fellow WNBA players in the Olympics and is hoping that they’ll take the gold medal home.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way, me being on the team or me not being on the team I’m excited for them, gonna be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, it’ll be fun to watch them,” Clark said.
Clark added that she’s not feeling disappointed with the snub, but is hoping to be part of future Team USA rosters for years to come.
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Edited by Juan Paolo David
