WNBA standout Caitlin Clark has been controversially left off the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, with Jason Whitlock suggesting the decision stemmed from concerns over backlash from Black Lives Matter (BLM) and LGBTQIA activists. According to USA Today, Clark’s omission has sparked significant debate, given her impressive performance and widespread popularity.
Christine Brennan of USA Today broke the news, lamenting the missed opportunity to showcase Clark, who she described as the most dominant and ignored player in sports. Brennan highlighted the potential impact Clark could have had on increasing visibility and excitement for the Olympic team.
Two long-time veterans of U.S. women’s basketball, speaking anonymously, suggested that concerns about Clark’s limited playing time on an already strong roster influenced the decision. They pointed out the challenge of managing the expectations of Clark’s extensive fanbase, who are used to her starring role.
The expected 12-player roster is filled with guards, Clark’s position, including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Brittney Griner, as reported by The Athletic. Sportswriter Michael McCarthy noted that Clark’s absence is a significant loss for NBC Sports, which could have benefited from her ability to attract viewers.
Whitlock, a columnist for Blaze News, suggested that Clark’s exclusion was driven by fear of backlash from BLM and LGBTQIA activists, whom he referred to as the “Alphabet Mafia.” On his social media, Whitlock wrote, “Women’s basketball decision-makers are not dumb. They’ve been bullied by the BLM-LGBTQIA+Silent P Alphabet Mafia bigots.”
He continued to criticize the decision, comparing it to other societal changes he attributes to activist pressure, such as the federal recognition of Juneteenth and the allowance of “kid-friendly” drag shows. Whitlock bluntly stated, “She could replace any of the 12. None are needed to win the gold,” underscoring his belief in Clark’s unparalleled talent.
Clark, who has significantly boosted WNBA viewership and attendance, averages 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in her first 14 WNBA games. She also became the fastest player to reach 200 points and 75 assists in just 12 games, surpassing Sue Bird’s record.
Whitlock argued that political correctness overshadowed merit in this decision, stating, “They/Thems Hate Cait,” and criticizing those who, according to him, fail to utilize her talents properly. He added, “For the first time in American history, women have the biggest star in sports and they don’t know how to utilize her.”
The U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team has not lost a game since 1992 and aims to secure its eighth consecutive gold medal. As the team prepares for the games, Clark’s exclusion and the ensuing controversy will likely remain a hot topic among fans and sports analysts.
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