Caitlin Clark's Team USA Snub Controversy Resurfaces With New Statement
Caitlin Clark's rookie season in the WNBA featured several highly-publicized storylines, including her omission from Team USA's Olympic basketball roster.
Advertisement
Despite her rising superstardom and elite on-court production, Clark was left off the Olympic roster that ultimately went on to win gold at the 2024 Paris games.
The decision to leave Clark off the team sparked some serious controversy around the basketball world. USA Today writer Christine Brennan even accused Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve of "stunningly bad behavior" regarding Clark's consideration in the selection process.
Before the 2024 WNBA season, Reeve publicly criticized the league for only advertising Clark's preseason debut with the Indiana Fever. These social media posts came out during the Olympic selection process.
Now a year later, this controversy is resurfacing.
Advertisement
Earlier this week, Brennan doubled down on her criticism of Reeve with comments on "The Adam Gold Show."
'How on earth is that okay with the Olympic and Paralympic Committee and USA basketball, that its coach is actively tweeting and going on social media about someone who is in the selection pool?' Brennan asked.
A few days later, Reeve fired back with a response on "Golic & Golic."
'What she wrote is fiction. And if she were paying attention, one of the things I have done for years is hold the league accountable for their missteps, mishaps, their lack of representation of all teams," Reeve said.
Advertisement
"So that particular situation had nothing to do with Caitlin Clark,' she continued. 'It had everything to do with a WNBA social media post that promoted one preseason game and not all preseason games. And so I simply said that, by the way, the Minnesota Lynx are playing the Chicago Sky."
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) alongside USA Women's National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Reeve recognized that she's the "villain" in Brennan's story.
'If Christine Brennan were being thorough and a legitimate reporter in this situation, she would have gotten full context," the Minnesota Lynx coach concluded. "But it didn't fit the narrative. Christine Brennan likes to have a villain in her storytelling. I am Christine Brennan's villain, that's the sword she's going to die on.
Advertisement
"It's a fiction, the stuff that she has written about me and my interest in Caitlin Clark being on or off the team."
Related: WNBA Fans React to Caitlin Clark's Historic Achievement on Sunday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fever Coach Stephanie White Reveals Good News about Caitlin Clark
Fever Coach Stephanie White Reveals Good News about Caitlin Clark originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Fever have been playing without Caitlin Clark for several games this season, leaning on Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Advertisement Indiana headed into a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx with Clark sidelined for her third straight game and eighth overall game of the season. Clark is currently dealing with a groin injury that previously held her out of the Fever's lineup for matchups against the Dallas Wings and the Los Angeles Sparks. Before the Fever's matchup against the Lynx, Indiana coach Stephanie White shared an update on Clark. White revealed that Clark is making progress in her recovery, which is great news for the Fever, who are looking to make a postseason push in the standings ahead of the All-Star break. "She's making progress," White said. "Making progress and feeling good are two different things, and we want to make sure that she feels good." As the Indiana Fever entered a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, set to play for the Commissioner's Cup Championship, they were ranked as the No. 3 team in the Eastern Conference and the No. 8 team in the WNBA standings with an 8-8 record. Advertisement Minnesota dealt a difficult task to the Fever, as they were ranked as the No. 1 team in the WNBA standings with a 14-2 record. The Lynx were coming off back-to-back wins while Indiana also had momentum, previously defeating the Dallas Wings. Indiana Fever's coach Stephanie WhiteDale Zanine-Imagn Images Caitlin Clark will have another opportunity to return to the lineup on Thursday when the Indiana Fever play the Las Vegas Aces at 7 p.m. ET. During her second season with the Fever, Clark has posted 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. Related: Patrick Mahomes Receives Unfortunate News on Monday Related: Caitlin Clark News Turns Heads on Sunday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Will NIL Dreams Crush Team Chemistry in College Sports?
Will NIL Dreams Crush Team Chemistry in College Sports? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 'Bonds are forged through shared adversity.' As an athlete, this statement aptly describes my collegiate athletic journey. Advertisement The morning workouts my teammates and I endured still evoke a sense of trepidation within me, and I often wake up in a cold sweat, fearing I am tardy for a morning run at the stadium. These habits may take time to dissipate, but one thing remains unwavering: the unbreakable bond I shared with my teammates during those grueling mornings. The echoes of their encouraging voices resound in my mind as I pushed my body to the brink, striving to complete a 300-meter shuttle within the stipulated time frame. The exhaustion that overcame me was palpable, yet I found the strength to persevere, driven by the knowledge that my teammates were equally struggling but resolute in their pursuit of victory. The profound sense of accomplishment experienced on Fridays during the summer, when we collectively overcome the final, arduous lift of the week, is unparalleled. This feeling is even more intense when the fruits of our labor translate into a triumph on the gridiron during the season. These emotions are difficult to articulate, yet the upcoming generation of college athletes may miss out on the authentic experience of college athletics due to the emergence of a novel dynamic. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) presents a unique opportunity for college athletes, both past, present, and future. The potential to monetize oneself and receive compensation for one's contributions to a program is long overdue, and I wholeheartedly support this development. Advertisement However, as with any decision, there are inherent advantages and disadvantages. The emergence of the NIL era will undoubtedly challenge student-athletes' commitments and reveal their true values during their college years. While this development may not align with the traditional model, it is likely that many student-athletes will prioritize NIL payments and the financial benefits offered by institutions over other considerations. The introduction of new transfer portal rules and the direct payments made by NCAA schools to players will further exacerbate this trend. Consequently, it is possible that players will increasingly leave their committed schools for those that provide greater monetary compensation. Payouts will not be the sole reason individuals will leave educational institutions. Many student-athletes will also prioritize playing time, seeking opportunities to play automatically. While this may not appear detrimental, athletes prioritizing playing time over other factors has been a common practice for years. However, the new regulations have significantly complicated the transfer process compared to previous years. With the restrictions on transfer portals being lifted and the introduction of regulations that permit virtually unlimited transfers, genuine commitments to schools will become increasingly rare. Many student-athletes dissatisfied with their current circumstances (inadequate playing time, desire for enhanced media coverage, or dissatisfaction with the program) may choose to enter the transfer portal. Advertisement Unfortunately, they may not be selected or end up attending a school that is not as favorable as their previous institution. Regrettably, this is the reality faced by many student-athletes, and the situation is likely to deteriorate until new regulations are implemented. In light of the growing reasons for student-athletes to leave their committed institutions, it is crucial to consider the factors that retain them. The primary reason for athlete retention lies in the strong bonds they form with their teammates. Team chemistry is a pivotal aspect of any team's success, and the relationships student-athletes develop with their peers irrevocably shape their college experiences. True, enduring bonds are forged through shared adversity and strengthened through repeated challenges. In this new era, I predict that the most successful coaches will not be those who invest heavily in recruitment or rely solely on transfer portal experience. Instead, they will be those who provide a fulfilling and enriching experience for their athletes. By fostering team interactions and building a foundation of trust and camaraderie, these coaches will create an environment where student-athletes feel valued and motivated to stay, regardless of the financial implications. As a former athlete, I offer counsel to those embarking on the NIL era or nearing it: prior to engaging in negotiations with college coaches, introspect on your aspirations for the institution you intend to join. Identify your primary objectives. Advertisement Related: BYU QB Jake Retzlaff to Enter Transfer Portal, Per Reports Are you seeking financial compensation through NIL deals? Aspiring to attain fame and recognition through televised appearances in a prominent program? Or are you seeking a second home away from home, an environment conducive to skill development and surrounded by individuals willing to provide the necessary resources? Are you aiming for the next level of success, and if so, which institution would best position you not only for athletic triumph but also for overall personal growth? Related: NIL Struggles Far From Over After NCAA's House Settlement Personally, I value athletic, academic, and social success, and the principles I upheld guided me to my current path. Ensure that the path you choose aligns with your aspirations and will leave you with a sense of pride upon reflection. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How NIL Spending Is Reshaping College Football's Competitive Landscape
How NIL Spending Is Reshaping College Football's Competitive Landscape originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In 2021, Cincinnati made history by becoming the first Group of Five program to reach the College Football Playoff. For many, it was proof that the so-called gap between the Power Five and G5 wasn't insurmountable. Advertisement But in 2025, that proof feels distant. Not because the quality of G5 football has declined, but because the financial structure of the sport has changed entirely. As college athletics enters the first full cycle of NCAA-sanctioned revenue sharing and matured NIL collectives, the economic realities facing Group of Five programs have become unavoidable. And nowhere is that shift more visible than in the SEC. While the Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 are also adapting to this new era, the SEC stands as the clearest representation of what the modern Power conference looks like. For the sake of this comparison, it serves as a fair and conservative barometer for the Power Four as a whole. Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker Pendleton-Imagn Images NIL Spending and Revenue Structures in 2025 Starting in 2025, every school within the Power Four is permitted to distribute up to $20.5 million to athletes through the NCAA's new revenue-sharing model. According to projections from SEC schools are expected to meet that cap across the board. On top of that, the average SEC collective will provide another $13.95 million in NIL compensation. Advertisement That puts the total average for SEC athlete compensation at roughly $34.5 million per school. In contrast, Group of Five programs are projected to operate on significantly smaller margins. Here's how the averages stack up: Conference Revenue Share (Avg.) NIL Collective (Avg.) Total Compensation SEC (P4 Proxy) $20.5M $13.95M $34.45M American $2.99M $1.6M $4.6M Mountain West $4.37M $1.7M $6.0M Sun Belt $2.02M $1.0M $3.0M MAC $1.90M $800K $2.7M Conference USA $1.63M $600K $2.2M These figures reflect projected funding availability, not guaranteed athlete payouts, as collective disbursements vary based on structure, fundraising stability, and timing. Even within the Power Four, there are schools operating more conservatively than others. But as a whole, the SEC provides a useful benchmark for how far the top tier of college football has moved from the rest of the landscape. Advertisement How NIL Impacts G5 Player Retention in College Football For years, the most difficult challenge for G5 programs was attracting high-end talent. Now, it's keeping it. Player development has long been a hallmark of successful mid-major programs. But the same qualities that make G5 players appealing, such as early playing time, system fit, and on-field production, also make them targets in the transfer portal. One G5 staffer described his situation plainly. 'We can't offer more. We can only offer first,' he said. 'And most of the time, that's not enough anymore.' When a starting wide receiver in the American makes $15,000 and hears from a Power Four program offering $75,000, the leverage disappears quickly. And with NIL deals now embedded in roster planning, that gap becomes less about poaching and more about structure. Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The SEC's NIL Spending as a Model for Power Four Programs Programs like Texas and LSU are projected to spend over $40 million on athlete compensation in 2025. Some, like Texas Tech, are experimenting with consolidated booster-collective models that push total payrolls past $50 million. Advertisement This is not just a reaction to NIL. It is the beginning of a structured financial era. Some Power Four programs are segmenting their NIL spend by position group. Others are introducing multi-year deals and retention bonuses that incentivize players to stay through graduation. Meanwhile, many G5 schools are still assembling short-term packages through local sponsors, donor drives, and limited institutional support. The systems are fundamentally different in scale, planning, and stability. NIL Disparity and the Future of G5 Competitiveness These numbers don't disqualify G5 programs from being competitive. But they do redefine what that competitiveness looks like. Advertisement A 12-0 G5 season that earns a Playoff bid remains possible. Building it into a sustained era of success, however, now requires navigating an environment where roster stability is directly tied to financial infrastructure. In a model where one tier of programs is investing in multi-year continuity and another is forced to rebuild annually, the pressure is no longer just on recruiting. It's on retention, investment alignment, and consistent access to capital. South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers could be the 2026 number 1 draft pick.© Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images Closing: A Financial Divide That's Redefining College Football College football has never been a level playing field. But as athlete compensation becomes a core function of program operations, the separation between tiers of the sport is becoming formalized. Advertisement Programs at the top are managing rosters with continuity in mind. Programs at the bottom are often just trying to hold theirs together long enough to stay relevant. Related: Will NIL Dreams Crush Team Chemistry in College Sports? The sport may still be governed by one rulebook, but the terms of competition are no longer the same. The playoff is expanding. The revenue models are not. The question now is not whether a G5 team can make a run. It's whether any program without long-term financial planning can remain in the conversation for more than a year at a time. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
