David Dennis Jr., a author for ESPN’s Andscape, expressed issues on Monday about those that have been upset with Group USA leaving Caitlin Clark off of the Olympic roster.
Dennis was on “Across the Horn” and fearful 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 throughout the recreation in opposition to the Connecticut Solar on June 10, 2024 on the Mohegan Solar Enviornment in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Chris Marion/NBAE through Getty Photos)
“I talked about how Caitlin Clark has develop into an avatar for folks to precise their disdain for Black ladies and the way a bunch of so-called patriots are going to deal with Group USA this summer time,” he wrote on X.
Dennis mentioned in his clip on the present he didn’t assume the Indiana Fever star was one of many high gamers accessible within the pool to select from both.
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“There could be a wholesome sports activities debate about whether or not Caitlin Clark ought to make this crew. I’m of the assumption she just isn’t one of many high 15 gamers accessible,” Dennis mentioned, including that Arike Ogunbowale could possibly be added earlier than Clark if a participant has to drop out.
“The issue right here is, and what issues 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 ladies, 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 Ladies’s U17 World Cup Group at the US Olympic Coaching Middle in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Marc Piscotty/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
“And they’re utilizing her to go in opposition to Group USA. What’s going to occur … the large tragedy right here, is the way in which they’re handled by these folks come this summer time. We’re speculated to help America and American groups within the Olympics. I wish to see that for this crew, even when Caitlin Clark just isn’t on that squad.”
Dennis believed “most cheap basketball folks agree” that Clark can wait till the 2028 Video 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 Last 4.
During the last two years, Clark has drawn tens of millions of recent followers to the sport. The Iowa-South Carolina nationwide championship was the most-watched ladies’s faculty basketball recreation. Her video games with the Fever are among the many high in WNBA rankings this season, to not point out the fan help she has acquired 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 Grey, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Younger. Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper shall be first-time Olympians.
Clark took the excessive street when requested about being left off of the roster.
“I’m excited for the women who’re on the crew. I do know it’s essentially the most aggressive crew on this planet and I do know it might’ve gone both approach – me being on the crew, me not being on the crew,” she mentioned, through 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 observe them.
Caitlin Clark, #172 of West Des Moines, Iowa, listens to audio system whereas taking part in tryouts for the 2018 USA Basketball Ladies’s U17 World Cup Group at the US Olympic Coaching Middle in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Marc Piscotty/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
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“No disappointment. I believe it simply offers you one thing to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully, at some point 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.”
