In a universe where hot takes sizzle like overdone bacon, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has once again managed to turn up the heat to a blistering temperature. This time, his target? Team USA Women’s Basketball, and their baffling decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the Olympic roster.
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA star with the court vision of a hawk and the scoring ability of a superhero, found herself on the sidelines of the Olympic roster. For most fans, this was like making a burger without the patty—utterly nonsensical. Even though Team USA has been breezing through the competition like a summer wind, the absence of Clark’s dazzling skills has left a few eyebrows raised, including those of the ever-animated Stephen A.
“Team USA, you’re winning, but you could be WINNING,” Smith thundered on ESPN’s First Take, his voice climbing octaves like a mountain goat. “How does it feel, Team USA? You’ve got six games, four of them drawing over 20,000 fans, and the rest still pulling in solid crowds. But imagine the pandemonium if you had Clark. We’re talking sell-out arenas, people.”
Smith didn’t hold back, unleashing a tirade that felt like a one-man show. “You think marketing doesn’t matter? Have you ever been to the Olympics? They’ll kick you out of an event if you drink Pepsi over Coke! I’ve been to the Olympics—Sydney 2000, Athens 2004. I’ve seen it all. And let me tell you, it’s all about the business. And Clark, my friends, is good business.”
Stephen A.’s points, while delivered with his signature intensity, were hard to dismiss. Caitlin Clark’s electric play style and magnetic personality would undoubtedly draw massive viewership, potentially breaking records. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see Clark’s no-look passes and deep threes lighting up the Olympic stage?
But Smith wasn’t done there. Oh no, he had more to unload. “I can’t stand the Olympics,” he ranted, “Not the games, but the bureaucracy. It’s like trying to navigate a minefield with a pogo stick. Media restrictions, business deals everywhere—there’s no freedom. You think it’s about the athletes? Think again. It’s about every penny they can squeeze out.”
Smith’s critique of the Olympic machine was as scathing as his commentary on Team USA’s roster choices. “Team USA, wake up! You left a superstar at home. Caitlin Clark is the kind of player who makes kids want to pick up a basketball. She’s box office. She’s prime time. She’s a walking highlight reel. And you chose to leave that on the table?”
The decision to exclude Clark, in Smith’s eyes, was a blunder of epic proportions. But for now, Team USA continues to dominate without her, securing the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals after blowing out Puerto Rico. Yet, the question lingers: How much more thrilling could the games be with Caitlin Clark dazzling the Olympic courts?
In the end, Stephen A. Smith has done what he does best—stir the pot, ignite the debate, and make us all wonder if maybe, just maybe, he’s onto something. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is certain: the Olympics could use a little more Caitlin Clark, and a lot less red tape.