"This is bigotry, unchecked" — Journalist rips into WNBA for Caitlin Clark snub on Team USA for Olympics

The No. 1 pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark, was reportedly not included on the USA women's basketball team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Amid controversy over the decision to not include the star rookie on the team, journalist Jason Whitlock ripped into the WNBA for what he believes is a poor business decision.

Whitlock argued that the league prioritizes inclusivity on the team rather than the opportunity to use Clark's spectacular marketability to make up ground for its loss-making business.

"This is bigotry, unchecked, celebrated," Whitlock said. "I don't know any conservative evangelicals that would look at a blessing, Caitlin Clark to the WNBA, and say 'no I don't want that. I'd rather be bigoted.'"

"Every Christian conservative I know would be like, 'oh this makes good business sense, let me throw Caitlin Clark on this team.'"

Caitlin Clark arguably garnered a lot of attention for the WNBA even before she was drafted into the league. Many argue that she's not one of the 12 best players, which led to her not making the team. However, Clark's inclusion would arguably make little difference to the USA team's shot at the Olympic gold. It would also benefit the WNBA business-wise.

Caitlin Clark reacts to not being included in the USA Olympic basketball team

Caitlin Clark opened up to reporters during team practice on Sunday about her exclusion from the USA women's basketball team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I'm excited for the girls that are on the team," Clark said. "I know it's the most competitive team in the world, and I knew it could've gone either way of me being on the team, me not being on the team. I'm excited for them. I'm going to be rooting them on to win gold."

Further, when asked about her "level of disappointment" for being left off the roster, the Indiana Fever's star rookie said she was not disappointed and that she hopes to make the team in the future.

"Honestly, no disappointment," Clark said. "I think it just gives you something to work for. It's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that, and hopefully in four years when four years comes back around, I can be there."

Team USA will reportedly feature league veterans Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Sabrina Ionescu.

The team will look to clinch the USA's eighth straight Olympic gold since winning in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.