The decision to leave the WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark off the Olympic team has sparked a wave of criticism and protests from various sports personalities, including Dave Portnoy, Colin Cowherd, Michelle Tafoya, and even former soccer player Alexi Lalas. They all agree that it was a grave mistake not to include the most popular player in the world on the team heading to Paris 2024.
They argue that her presence would lead to increased viewership of the Olympic team’s games, attract more sponsors to the broadcasts, and boost television ratings. This, in turn, would result in greater exposure for the other players on the team.
One of the harshest critics, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, remarked that “I’d rather watch paint dry than not see Caitlin play in the Olympics,” emphasizing that Clark is currently a magnet for audiences of all ages who are tuning in to women’s basketball and particularly to the Indiana Fever, Clark’s team.
Caitlin Clark seems drainded of energy due to recent results
Who benefits from Clark’s presence or absence?
Perhaps the most objective comment on Clark’s situation comes from former NFL quarterback and current sports analyst Robert Griffin III. In a post on X, Griffin questions who would benefit from having-or not having-Clark on the Olympic team.
He notes that if Caitlin were selected for the 12-player roster going to Paris, there would be several benefits: the growth of the sport due to Clark’s popularity among young people and girls, increased revenue for TV partners who would pay more to broadcast her games, and greater visibility for the other players on the team.
However, Griffin also points out that the only person who would benefit from Clark’s absence is Caitlin Clark herself. He argues that while Clark is currently the most popular player in the world, selecting her over more deserving players could create more division among fans and media coverage.
Ensuring USA’s Olympic gold
Griffin argues that the USA women’s team will win the gold medal with or without Clark: “The USA Women’s team will win with or without Caitlin Clark even if fewer people watch it. They have won 7 straight Olympic Gold Medals with a 70-3 record at the Olympics.”
He adds that not being selected gives Clark the opportunity to rest, take a break during the regular WNBA season, and fully earn her spot on the next Olympic team: “This gives Caitlin Clark an opportunity to rest, have an offseason, and fully earn her spot on the next team the right way. On the basketball court, not the court of public opinion.”
Finally, Griffin emphasizes that the public should fully support the other players on the team, who are better than Clark and have earned their spots based on their merits.
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