Final Team USA Roster Reveals Bias Against Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark is arguably the most prominent name in sports right now. In my 35 years, I can’t recall another female athlete dominating the sports world like she has.
While female athletes have had their moments, mostly in Olympic sports like gymnastics and figure skating, women’s basketball had stars like Maya Moore, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lisa Leslie, who elevated the game. However, Clark’s star power is unprecedented in women’s sports.
The Washington Mystics moved tonight’s game against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever from their normal 4,200-seat arena to the 20,356-seat Capital One arena.
However, the 16,000 extra seats weren’t a problem, as tickets sold out in 30 minutes. https://t.co/ZHvKqBqQdJ
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 8, 2024
Locally, Lindsay Whalen brought attention to women’s basketball, especially during her University of Minnesota days, but no one has lifted the entire sport—and arguably the entire gender—like Clark.
Largest WNBA crowd in 17 years—20,333—sees Fever beat Mystics, 85-83.
Caitlin Clark makes 7 threes, scores 30 points, adds 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals.
The two teams are a combined 3-20. pic.twitter.com/zqlNMMXyht
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) June 8, 2024
Her influence is inspiring countless girls worldwide to take up basketball, falling in love with the game because they first admired her. Caitlin Clark is essentially the Taylor Swift of women’s basketball.
For instance, the 0-12 Washington Mystics moved their game against Clark’s Indiana Fever from a 4,000-seat arena to a 20,000-seat venue due to ticket demand, and those additional 16,000 seats sold out in 30 minutes.
Rant incoming. – leaving Caitlin Clark off the women's Olympic team is the dumbest shit I've ever heard pic.twitter.com/RXg0XwFwtN
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 8, 2024
Clark rewarded the crowd by scoring 30 points, with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals, leading the Fever to an 85-83 win. The game set a 17-year WNBA attendance record, benefiting the Mystics, Capital One Arena, and the WNBA financially.
Despite her achievements and popularity, Cheryl Reeve left Caitlin Clark off the 2024 Team USA women’s basketball Olympic roster, which was made official on Saturday. This decision comes from the same leaders who have demanded more attention and investment in women’s basketball, yet they chose to sideline their first true superstar.
ALSO in action tonight – @minnesotalynx vs @chicagosky 7pm CST. Though fans won't be able to watch, #Lynx fans can go to the Lynx app to follow along via play by play. Or if you are in market, come to the game…as we start the season off right ✅#12teams #theWismorethanoneplayer https://t.co/Wp5vwt8ucK
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) May 3, 2024
Dave Portnoy from Barstool summed it up, highlighting the hypocrisy. He pointed out that Clark is arguably the most talked-about basketball player globally, capable of drawing massive crowds and revenue. Leaving her off the Olympic team is not just a missed showcase opportunity for her but for the sport and other WNBA players as well. It’s a baffling decision from a business standpoint, considering her potential to make women’s basketball a major viewing event.
Cheryl Reeve hated on Caitlin Clark right along with WNBA’s commissioner, the vets on that team who have influence and the Olympic committee isn’t incompetent, they’ve agreed to keep her out. It’s jealousy. They want to prove that any success they get won’t be because of Caitlin… pic.twitter.com/Nr4EGYgY3Q
— WBB and some other topics (@WBB_GLORIOUS) June 8, 2024
Clark has faced targeting by current players, former players, and opposing coaches, who view her as a threat rather than an asset. Cheryl Reeve, the Minnesota Lynx president of basketball operations and Team USA head coach, seems to lead this anti-Clark sentiment, despite her calls for more attention to women’s basketball.
I will say this about the reports of Caitlin Clark being left off the Olympic team…If true, especially this on👇
Then, Cheryl Reeve, her staff, and the committee need to grow up. #caitlinclark pic.twitter.com/hAOhLe27Gx— Scott Pearson Eberly (@PearsonEberly) June 8, 2024
This hypocrisy is glaring. Reeve, known for advocating for women’s basketball, now seems to prioritize personal vendettas over the growth of the game. The Olympic committee, composed of individuals who have competed against Clark, also shares the blame.
Now show us the 💰!! https://t.co/RNvFPaquY9
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) April 2, 2023
Notably absent are staff from Iowa or the Fever, while figures like South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, whose team beat Iowa in the National Championship, and others who have reason to be biased, are included.
#Bargain Time to up the rights fees for women’s sports. Stop settling for less dealmakers! https://t.co/ZIXoTCcRdG
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) April 5, 2022
Some may argue that Clark isn’t good enough or wouldn’t get enough playing time, but these excuses don’t hold water. Team USA’s women’s basketball team is historically dominant, with an impressive track record of victories.
#InvestinWomen https://t.co/Bc1QX4IiEy
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) February 22, 2022
Keeping Caitlin Clark off the roster won’t affect their chances of winning but does highlight the jealousy and bias within the leadership, particularly Cheryl Reeve’s.
So many people, like Michael Lyon in this editorial piece, have a surface view and fail to recognize the deeply rooted systems that marginalize women’s sports. Read the NCAA gender equity review (https://t.co/2xu0onRS5t) and apply to all women’s sports everywhere and every level. https://t.co/UyvWHIGbJg
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) March 2, 2022
This decision underscores how personal biases are hindering the potential growth and business of women’s basketball in 2024.
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