Caitlin Clark left off USA Roster

[MrDollarBills]

^Stephen A doesn't know sh*t about women's hoops. That's why Monica McNutt isn't appearing on First Take anymore because she exposed him for talking out of his ass.

This trash thread is 15 pages of people arguing for Clark to be named to a roster, where she would be sitting bench throughout the entire tournament because she isn't better than any of the guards on the roster and that includes a 42 year old Diana Taurasi.

Yall can stay mad about it, but those are facts. If you want to argue that Clark is better than Ionescu, Plum, Loyd, Gray, Taurasi, and Young right now, you might as well just admit that you don't watch women's hoops, because she isn't and that's why she isn't on the team.

A lot of the arguments i've seen from SAS and other NBA analysts or NBA players isn't for Clark to be on the team because she's BETTER than anyone on the roster, but because she's more MARKETABLE to grow the game. It's frustrating for myself to see TeamUSA fumble this.
- More eyeballs watching. More eyeballs = exposing A'Ja Wilson, Stewie, & Sabrina to those who are newer.
- Sellout Clark USA jerseys.

Yes I get that Team USA has been together and have continuity, but they've won Gold fairly easily in how many straight Olympics now? They will win the Gold with or without Clark.

I also don't think Clark would need to sit on the bench the entire tournament - USA blows out some teams by 20+ points. Showcase Clark here and there. She doesn't need to play big minutes.

I get that. However:

Team USA Basketball's top brass is not in the marketing Caitlin Clark business, their job is to form the best program possible over a multiple year period to win gold. And looking at the roster, they did what they needed to do.

Also, I dunno how anyone could have watched CC get the brakes beaten off her by Dijonai Carrington last night and still are here demanding that CC be gifted a roster spot. She has a LONG way to go before this should even be a discussion

[TerrenceClarke]

Look at these YouTube comments.

The backlash against the Clark “backlash” is a grand chance to **** on the league, and its many black players, gay players, and women’s sport in general.

“It's got to be a bummer playing basketball with a bunch of angry lesbians.“

“Since Caitlin Clark was snubbed from the Olympics, and now the Olympics team only consists of the giant she-boys, I won't be watching.”

Now take these next couple and combine it with my observation right after….

“The racism of the WNBA is grossly obvious. They better tone it down. I'm glad the crowd called it out.“
(as in racist against white people)

“Diversity, equity & inclusion for all except straight people, white folk & conservatives.”

Then plenty of people giddy to pile on and call out the league’s smaller fanbase before Caitlin.

Now let’s combine a league with mostly black players, plenty of gay players and…a lack of attention and fanbase. The best players are near anonymity.

Hmmm. Why is that?

Now white straight girl shows up and people can’t pile on the bandwagon fast enough. Sure, you could make a case she’s better…but that much better…that you get anonymity for current best players vs Caitlin’s level of popularity??

Hmmm. Why is that?

Could it be that there’s obvious racism inherent to attention spans and marginalization of black, and gay, and women players?

Naaaahhh!!!! Couldn’t possibly be!!!

This **** is disgusting. The people “in defense” of Clark that is.

You can tell they know zero about ball and are excited to pile on against the women of the league.

Carrington’s obviously calling out flop/selling the foul. Basically none of these cretins can even recognize that.

Watch on YouTube

Well I read Carrigntons Jealous of her, is why she was doing that last night in the game on social media....

I mean its on social media it has to be true right? smh

" Nobody hates CC more than black women in the WNBA"

[Stannis]

Yes I get that Team USA has been together and have continuity, but they've won Gold fairly easily in how many straight Olympics now? They will win the Gold with or without Clark.

I also don't think Clark would need to sit on the bench the entire tournament - USA blows out some teams by 20+ points. Showcase Clark here and there. She doesn't need to play big minutes.

While maybe it's not fair or comes out as "clicky". Like you said, they've been together for a while and can easily win with or without CC. So maybe they want to stick to their usual group and continue their run on their own.

Now if they come back and complain about low viewership and jersey sales. That's on them.

But I get seeking something more "quiet" and continuing the comradery they've built, and also taking a break from the CC-Mania.

I'm not sure how much money is being "lost" here. Is the Olympics that big of an opportunity for money? Doesn't Team USA Mens have trouble getting viewership? I think the were barely getting 1 mil.

[TerrenceClarke]

This how you know this thread is bogus...


it has almost the same amount of pages as the general discussion WNBA thread in less than a week. Proof many people dont even care about the league they just care about their princess.


I wonder how many of you are butt hurt that Kate Martin said this about Aja. I mean she was CC teammate for more years than being with Aja... shouldn't she be saying this about CC right now??




Some of these cats....

Aja Wilson is a beast....

[MrDollarBills]

Yes I get that Team USA has been together and have continuity, but they've won Gold fairly easily in how many straight Olympics now? They will win the Gold with or without Clark.

I also don't think Clark would need to sit on the bench the entire tournament - USA blows out some teams by 20+ points. Showcase Clark here and there. She doesn't need to play big minutes.

While maybe it's not fair or comes out as "clicky". Like you said, they've been together for a while and can easily win with or without CC. So maybe they want to stick to their usual group and continue their run on their own.

Now if they come back and complain about low viewership and jersey sales. That's on them.

But I get seeking something more "quiet" and continuing the comradery they've built, and also taking a break from the CC-Mania.

I'm not sure how much money is being "lost" here. Is the Olympics that big of an opportunity for money? Doesn't Team USA Mens have trouble getting viewership? I think the were barely getting 1 mil.

No one watches Olympic basketball like that on either side, so you can see where (not saying this about cdubbz) there is a disingenuous air to this entire argument in this thread. As if the world will end because CC's cult fandom won't watch the Olympics.

Also, this is an actual athletic program. They're not going to kick someone off the team who has been training with them the last two years on Caitlin's behalf. That's completely nonsensical. None of the coaches and staff making the call care about her fans cries. Nor should they.

And also, the same people calling for Clark to be gifted a roster spot, a really terrible move that would surely not sit well with the veteran players on Team USA, are the same ones quick to call other players jealous. Take that for what you will, but I find it ironic.

[MrDollarBills]

This how you know this thread is bogus...


it has almost the same amount of pages as the general discussion WNBA thread in less than a week. Proof many people dont even care about the league they just care about their princess.


I wonder how many of you are butt hurt that Kate Martin said this about Aja. I mean she was CC teammate for more years than being with Aja... shouldn't she be saying this about CC right now??




Some of these cats....

Aja Wilson is a beast....

I guarantee that more than half the people in this thread who are "outraged" at Caitlin not being gifted a spot that she hasn't earned or deserves, didn't even tune in to watch her get taken to school by Dijonai Carrington last night.

We know what this is about. It's a shame, because i hate seeing CC being co opted by these lame ass culture warriors and their BS grievances.

[cdubbz]

I wonder if there is a chance Gray doesn't play in the Olympics. Team USA would have to be certain she is able to be ready in a few weeks. If not - there is still a chance.

[MrDollarBills]

Look at these YouTube comments.

The backlash against the Clark “backlash” is a grand chance to **** on the league, and its many black players, gay players, and women’s sport in general.

“It's got to be a bummer playing basketball with a bunch of angry lesbians.“

“Since Caitlin Clark was snubbed from the Olympics, and now the Olympics team only consists of the giant she-boys, I won't be watching.”

Now take these next couple and combine it with my observation right after….

“The racism of the WNBA is grossly obvious. They better tone it down. I'm glad the crowd called it out.“
(as in racist against white people)

“Diversity, equity & inclusion for all except straight people, white folk & conservatives.”

Then plenty of people giddy to pile on and call out the league’s smaller fanbase before Caitlin.

Now let’s combine a league with mostly black players, plenty of gay players and…a lack of attention and fanbase. The best players are near anonymity.

Hmmm. Why is that?

Now white straight girl shows up and people can’t pile on the bandwagon fast enough. Sure, you could make a case she’s better…but that much better…that you get anonymity for current best players vs Caitlin’s level of popularity??

Hmmm. Why is that?

Could it be that there’s obvious racism inherent to attention spans and marginalization of black, and gay, and women players?

Naaaahhh!!!! Couldn’t possibly be!!!

This **** is disgusting. The people “in defense” of Clark that is.

You can tell they know zero about ball and are excited to pile on against the women of the league.

Carrington’s obviously calling out flop/selling the foul. Basically none of these cretins can even recognize that.

Watch on YouTube

Well I read Carrigntons Jealous of her, is why she was doing that last night in the game on social media....

I mean its on social media it has to be true right? smh

" Nobody hates CC more than black women in the WNBA"

Yep.

Let's call this for what it is. Antiblack racism, and homophobia/transphobia to boot. Carrington was eating her food last night and all they can resort to is racism. Because that's all they have in life.

Again. I feel like this is unfair because CC hasn't done or said anything but she really needs to publicly condemn this stuff sooner than later. Dijonai did nothing to her last night to warrant these comments. Well, except bust her ass

[MrDollarBills]

I wonder if there is a chance Gray doesn't play in the Olympics. Team USA would have to be certain she is able to be ready in a few weeks. If not - there is still a chance.

I am not sure.

Arike and Skylar are probably ahead of CC in terms of being an alternate for Gray.

Then, you also have to consider Dearica Hamby. Nneka as well.

[afarmenian]

Delete

[Stannis]

Leaving her off Team USA has to be one of the most colossally stupid ignorant and short-sighted moves in sports that I can think of it's absolutely one of the worst decisions and

lol calm the hell down bro

[afarmenian]

Leaving her off Team USA has to be one of the most colossally stupid ignorant and short-sighted moves in sports that I can think of.

You have women's basketball finally becoming a bit more mainstream and anything that can help bring eyeballs to that product be it Pros the Olympics College whatever the big picture should be a priority number one.

You have a golden opportunity to transcend the sport and these clowns decided to pass on that is mind blowing

[sikma42]

https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40326748/usa-basketball-cites-lack-experience-caitlin-clark-omission

Wow they had to actually put out an article explaining why she did not make the team.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[KembaWalker]

they’ve rostered plenty of rookies in the past, sounds like some BS.

[sikma42]

they’ve rostered plenty of rookies in the past, sounds like some BS.

Weird view. The frame of reference, is how they decided to pick this team? You seem to think CC is guaranteed a spot and they have to justify why she isn’t on the team.

It really feels like a mass cult like hysteria


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[KembaWalker]

they’ve rostered plenty of rookies in the past, sounds like some BS.

Weird view. The frame of reference, is how they decided to pick this team? You seem to think CC is guaranteed a spot and they have to justify why she isn’t on the team.

It really feels like a mass cult like hysteria


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

I don’t feel at all like they need to justify it, they do, hence the article. Now that they’ve made that decision it’s open to comment on their inconsistent philosophies.

Not really weird at all, what IS very weird is these guys coming in here acting like their some long time women’s basketball supporters that are so tired of CC stuff like their post history isn’t right there and full of cringe comments about it

[ImSlower]

I'm a big Iowa supporter and I'm absolutely thrilled that we got lots of national fanfare for a historically great player.

I also am totally fine with Clark being left off the roster. She's simply not good enough yet. And that's fine. The marketing nonsense is irrelevant; you guys are Americans right? We're goin for the gold! The Olympics are the very last thing where jersey sales and idiots on First Take matter. What matters is the best twelve-woman roster wins us the gold medal.

I'm very confident that Clark will improve her game against the rest of the best women ballers in the world and get herself on the '28 roster. And if some 21 year old phenom is proving her worth in 2028, that'll bump off one of our WNBA veterans. And that veteran is going to cheer her guts out for her national team, same as Caitlin Clark is going to for this Olympics roster. FFS guys this is the Olympics; it's about cheering on our nation over all those other chumps, same as every England and Thailand fan and every other fan in the world is going to be doing. Marketing is irrelevant. Clark is going to be worth $100 million dollars by the time she's 30; she's gonna be fine.

[hermes]

ah the classic catch 22:

can't make the team because you don't have any experience, and you can't get any experience because you're not on the team

[Wingy]

Yes I get that Team USA has been together and have continuity, but they've won Gold fairly easily in how many straight Olympics now? They will win the Gold with or without Clark.

I also don't think Clark would need to sit on the bench the entire tournament - USA blows out some teams by 20+ points. Showcase Clark here and there. She doesn't need to play big minutes.

While maybe it's not fair or comes out as "clicky". Like you said, they've been together for a while and can easily win with or without CC. So maybe they want to stick to their usual group and continue their run on their own.

Now if they come back and complain about low viewership and jersey sales. That's on them.

But I get seeking something more "quiet" and continuing the comradery they've built, and also taking a break from the CC-Mania.

I'm not sure how much money is being "lost" here. Is the Olympics that big of an opportunity for money? Doesn't Team USA Mens have trouble getting viewership? I think the were barely getting 1 mil.

No one watches Olympic basketball like that on either side, so you can see where (not saying this about cdubbz) there is a disingenuous air to this entire argument in this thread. As if the world will end because CC's cult fandom won't watch the Olympics.

Absolutely, you guys, lol at how big a deal some people are making over this.

I do think it’s a missed opportunity, but I’m 100% fine with her omission, and I don’t think it’s that big. I said earlier in this thread, if people weren’t already paying attention to the WNBA after Iowa…March Madness…Final Fours and title games and against defending champs, against undefeated SC, competitive, exciting games….

You’re telling me they are going to latch on to women’s basketball due to tape delayed games, against no name squads, in huge blow outs, where Caitlin gets much less playing time, during the warmest, nicest time of year to be outside and enjoying life? Really?!?!

Disingenuous isn’t the word. It’s much harsher than that.

It’s all crazy. Like that one YouTube video comments I highlighted. People claiming they canceled W league pass due to how Caitlin has been treated.

Zero reflection on why current players might come at her other than…tHeY jEALouS!!

The Clark controversy is just the latest lightning rod for the very real race and political issues facing our nation.

[bwgood77]

Is she good enough yet to be on it? People talking about marketing, etc, what if you put her front and center on the team's pictures, but either she doesn't play and people get mad or she plays and plays like crap? Does that hurt or help her and the WNBA's marketability?