In a twist that’s straight out of a sports drama, former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has jumped into the basketball court of public opinion, voicing his disapproval over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from Team USA’s Paris Olympics roster. Yes, you read that right—Antonio Brown, the NFL’s own Shakespeare of social media, is rallying behind a WNBA star.
The selectors of the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team have stirred the pot by excluding Clark, citing her lack of experience. This reasoning, however, seems as sturdy as a house of cards, given that several WNBA players are set to make their Olympic debuts this year. The irony here is palpable—Clark’s accolades and record-breaking performances apparently weren’t enough to secure her a spot, yet she’s too inexperienced? Sounds like a paradox even Schrödinger would scratch his head over.
Brown, never one to shy away from a headline, took to X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter) to label the decision as “crazy,” a sentiment echoed by fans and armchair selectors alike. The 36-year-old, who has had his own share of controversies, suddenly found himself on the moral high ground, a place he rarely visits, let alone occupies.
But here’s where the plot thickens: Clark, who currently wears the Indiana Fever’s #22 jersey, had a jam-packed schedule that clashed with Team USA’s training camps. The WNBA season left her with as much free time as a middle seat on a budget airline flight. So, despite her obvious talents, she was left out in the cold, Olympic torch and all.
Now, you might think Brown’s support would warm Clark’s heart, but their social media history suggests otherwise. Clark has, quite literally, blocked Brown on X. Why? Well, after a series of inappropriate posts from Brown, Clark decided to cut him off back in April 2024. Brown, ever the sharer, posted a screenshot of the block as if to say, “Look, I’m not invited to this party, either!”
The saga of Brown’s tumultuous social media escapades includes apologizing to Tom Brady, only to turn around and continue his tirade against the NFL legend and his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen. So, while Brown’s unexpected defense of Clark might seem like a gesture of goodwill, it’s safe to say Clark won’t be unblocking him or sending a thank-you card anytime soon.
In the end, it’s a classic case of social media chaos: a former NFL star with a penchant for controversy defending a rising WNBA talent who’s too busy to even notice. As the world of sports continues to turn, one thing remains certain—Antonio Brown will always find a way to be the main character in a story, even if it’s not his own.