In Caitlin Clark’s first public comments about her U.S. Olympic team snub for 2024 in Paris, she showed maturity in expressing her excitement for the veteran squad.
However, to her coach, Christie Sides, of the Fever, Clark was a little more candid.
“‘Hey coach, they woke a monster’” Sides told reporters of a text she received from Clark about the Olympics cut.
“Which I thought was awesome,” Sides continued about her young star’s response.
Clark’s popularity which has only grown from her days at Iowa to the pros has brought out countless criticisms from fans and members of the media about her not being on the U.S. women’s team roster.
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy called it “the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“How dumb are these people?” Portnoy added. “Never complain about women salaries ever again. Make that team fly commercial. Unreal dumb.”
Sides was sad as well to hear her No. 1 draft pick has joined the long list of snubbed WNBA stars.
“A little disappointed of course. She’s my player,” Sides said. “That’s the hardest team in the world to make, right? That is a tough team. She’s young. She’s gonna have so many different opportunities in the future.”
Clark’s unwavering popularity was reportedly a factor in the decision in fear of fans’ reactions to what would likely have been limited playing time for her among the veteran group that includes Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Gray.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark said on Sunday, in her first comments since the roster was revealed. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way, me being on the team or me not being on the team. I’m excited for them, gonna be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, it’ll be fun to watch them.”
The month-long break, however, will likely do wonders for Clark.
The former Iowa star has not had much rest since the end of her college career — which reached a second straight national championship game — to the start of her chapter in the WNBA.
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Bridget Reilly
