David Dennis Jr., a author for ESPN’s Andscape, expressed considerations on Monday about those that have been upset with Team USA leaving Caitlin Clark off of the Olympic roster.
Dennis was on “Around the Horn” and nervous about Black WNBA gamers getting focused within the wake of the Clark drama.
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Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, appears to be like on in the course of the sport in opposition to the Connecticut Sun on June 10, 2024 on the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Chris Marion/NBAE by way of Getty Images)
“I talked about how Caitlin Clark has change into an avatar for folks to specific their disdain for Black girls and the way a bunch of so-called patriots are going to deal with Team USA this summer time,” he wrote on X.
Dennis mentioned in his clip on the present he didn’t suppose the Indiana Fever star was one of many prime gamers accessible within the pool to select from both.
“There generally is a wholesome sports activities debate about whether or not Caitlin Clark ought to make this crew. I’m of the idea she shouldn’t be one of many prime 15 gamers accessible,” Dennis mentioned, including that Arike Ogunbowale could possibly be added earlier than Clark if a participant has to drop out.
“The downside right here is, and what considerations me going ahead is these folks on the perimeter that do exist, who’re in actual life, not simply web trolls, politicians, pundits and folks of the like, who’re utilizing Caitlin Clark as an avatar to lash out on the individuals who they’ve disdain for, primarily the make-up of the WNBA, Black girls, et al.
DIJONAI CARRINGTON MOCKS CAITLIN CLARK AFTER FOULING HER, GETS BOOED AT HOME
Caitlin Clark, #172 of West Des Moines, Iowa, participates in tryouts for the 2018 USA Basketball Women’s U17 World Cup Team on the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Marc Piscotty/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
“And they’re utilizing her to go in opposition to Team USA. What’s going to occur … the massive tragedy right here, is the way in which they’re handled by these folks come this summer time. We’re purported to help America and American groups within the Olympics. I need to see that for this crew, even when Caitlin Clark shouldn’t be on that squad.”
Dennis believed “most affordable basketball folks agree” that Clark can wait till the 2028 Games.
Clark’s reported snub from the Olympic roster sparked a firestorm over the weekend.
Clark was the No. 1 choose of the WNBA Draft again in April after main Iowa to back-to-back nationwide championship video games and setting the mark for all-time scoring in faculty basketball. She was unable to attend the nationwide coaching camp in Cleveland after she was invited as a result of Iowa was within the Final Four.
Over the final two years, Clark has drawn thousands and thousands of latest followers to the sport. The Iowa-South Carolina nationwide championship was the most-watched girls’s faculty basketball sport. Her video games with the Fever are among the many prime in WNBA rankings this season, to not point out the fan help she has obtained at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and elsewhere.
WNBA veterans Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are reportedly set to be on the roster together with Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper will probably be first-time Olympians.
Clark took the excessive highway when requested about being left off of the roster.
“I’m excited for the ladies who’re on the crew. I do know it’s probably the most aggressive crew on the planet and I do know it may’ve gone both means – me being on the crew, me not being on the crew,” she mentioned, by way of The Athletic. “So, I’m excited for them. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I used to be a child that grew up watching the Olympics. So, yeah, it’ll be enjoyable to look at them.
Caitlin Clark, #172 of West Des Moines, Iowa, listens to audio system whereas taking part in tryouts for the 2018 USA Basketball Women’s U17 World Cup Team on the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Marc Piscotty/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
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“No disappointment. I believe it simply offers you one thing to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully, in the future I could be there. I believe it’s just a bit extra motivation. You keep in mind that. And hopefully in 4 years, when 4 years comes again round, I could be there.”
