Colin Cowherd didn’t hold back in his critique of the decision to leave Caitlin Clark off Team USA’s Olympic roster. Clark’s omission, despite her impressive performance, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate.

Cowherd highlighted the disparity between the explanations given and Clark’s undeniable talent. According to Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of Team USA, Clark’s exclusion was due to a lack of experience and the standard procedure of prioritizing players who participated in the pre-selection process. Reeve suggested that Clark’s March Madness commitments and less-than-stellar early WNBA performance were factors. However, Cowherd finds this reasoning laughable, arguing that Clark’s exceptional playmaking and impact on the court prove she’s more than ready for the Olympic stage.

In the recent All-Star Game, Clark showcased her skills by leading the WNBA team to a win over Team USA, earning game-high honors with 10 assists. Her performance not only disproved doubts about her ability to compete at the highest level but also highlighted her potential as one of the best playmakers in WNBA history. Clark’s dominance was evident as she broke records and demonstrated why she should be on the Olympic team.

Cowherd criticized the Olympic team’s approach, noting that Clark’s exclusion seemed more about internal politics than basketball merit. He pointed out that the Olympic team missed an opportunity to capitalize on Clark’s star power and influence, which could have elevated the women’s game on a global scale. The decision to exclude her appears shortsighted, especially considering her significant impact on viewership and her role in setting multiple WNBA records.

Clark, despite the snub, remained gracious and supportive of the Olympic team, emphasizing her commitment to the sport and her respect for the competitors. She downplayed her personal disappointment, choosing instead to focus on the positives and support her future Olympic teammates.

Cowherd argues that the real issue lies with the broader women’s basketball community’s readiness to embrace new stars like Clark. Despite her extensive international experience and impressive track record, the reluctance to include her in the Olympics reflects a deeper problem within the sport.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from Team USA is a contentious topic, and her continued excellence on the court only reinforces the argument that she should have been a part of the Olympic roster. The spotlight is now on how the Olympic team and the broader basketball community respond to Clark’s undeniable talent and the missed opportunity to include her in their gold medal quest.