"It would be irresponsible for us" - Jen Rizzotti explains snubbing Caitlin Clark from Team USA Basketball

Caitlin Clark’s omission from Team USA’s 12-women roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics has been a major talking point. While there are no debates about the team's ability to win its eighth straight Olympics gold, Clark’s snub has generated polarized opinions. This is due to her great popularity.

On Wednesday, USA Basketball finally cleared the air on Clark. Connecticut Sun president and USA Basketball committee chair Jen Rizotti explained the decision to not pick Clark for the Summer Games.

"It would be irresponsible for us to talk about her in a way other than how she would impact the play of the team," Rizotti said.

Rizotti then talked about Clark’s popularity and how it was a non-factor in the selection of the members of the Olympic team.

"Because it wasn't the purview of our committee to decide how many people would watch or how many people would root for the US. It was our purview to create the best team we could for Cheryl (Reeve)," Rizotti added.

According to Rizotti, Clark’s international resume did not quite reach their standards. So, they opted to go with those who have been on that stage before, per a report by the Associated Press.

Rizotti added that she was only one of the six-person USA Basketball Selection Committee.

The other members were South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, Atlanta Dream general manager Dan Padover, as well as WNBA head of league operations Bethany Donaphin. Also on the panel were Olympic gold medalists Seimone Augustus and DeLisha Milton-Jones.

The committee then used 11 criteria to pick the Olympics team, which Minnesota Lynx mentor Cheryl Reeve will coach. These were: US citizenship, availability, position played, playing ability, versatility, coachability, attitude, adaptability to team concept, leadership, adaptability to international games, and likelihood of contributing to success.

Team USA veterans selected for the Paris Games include 42-year-old Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Jewel Loyd, and Napheesa Collier.

First-time Olympians include Sabrina Ionescu, Kahleah Cooper, and Alyssa Thomas. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young will be debuting in the 5-on-5 team after ruling the 3-on-3 basketball event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Diana Taurasi reacts on Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub

Diana Taurasi will be playing her sixth Olympics tournament come the Paris Games, debuting with Team USA as a rookie in 2004. With her experience, Taurasi is familiar with the ins and outs of the selection process.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Taurasi explained the reality of the selection process, saying that there will always be talented players to be snubbed.

"The Olympic team is really just a collection of best players," Taurasi said. "At the end of the day, USA basketball always had a firm grasp on what they need as a team."

The veteran then acknowledged Clark’s talents, which caused her to average 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for the Fever.

"I think people kind of lose track of no matter what you have to make sure that 12 players fit to form the best team, not necessarily the best players."

Caitlin Clark's absence isn't likely to affect Team USA's chances of winning the gold again. However, her fans would remain a little discontented about her omission.