Brittney Griner 'can't wait to go' to 2024 Paris Olympics amid Caitlin Clark snub backlash

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shared her excitement about representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics amid a storm of criticism following the exclusion of Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark from the USA Women's Basketball roster. The announcement of the roster, which came over the weekend, has sparked widespread debate and backlash.

Griner, who has had a tumultuous journey over the past few years, expressed deep pride in being selected for the Olympic team. "You’re representing your country," Griner stated. "You’re on the highest stage. It doesn’t get any higher than that. Anytime we get to put on the red, white, and blue, USA across our chest, you know we’re gonna get every country’s best shot. You’re just playing for so much more. I can’t wait to go."

The omission of Caitlin Clark, one of the most celebrated figures in women's basketball, has left many fans and analysts bewildered. Prominent sports personalities like ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, Dick Vitale, former NBA player Paul Pierce, and FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd have voiced their discontent, arguing that Clark’s skills and star power warranted her inclusion on the team.

The uproar extends to social media, where numerous users questioned the decision to select Griner over Clark. Critics pointed out that Griner had just resumed playing after an injury and had missed the entire 2022 season due to her imprisonment in Russia. Additionally, some detractors revisited Griner’s past comments about the national anthem, suggesting that her previous stance should have disqualified her from representing the country.

One Twitter user, Dave Smith, encapsulated the sentiment, writing, "So who shouldn't have made the Olympic Team ahead of Clark? 1) 42-year-old Diana Taurasi, who has already played in 5 Olympics. 2) Brittney Griner, who spent the 2022 season in a Russian prison & this year has an injured toe & only played in 1 game."

Griner’s past comments about the national anthem stem from a 2020 interview with The Arizona Republic, where she suggested that the anthem should not be played during the WNBA season, citing her support for social justice movements. "I honestly feel we should not play the national anthem during our season. I think we should take that much of a stand. I don't mean that in any disrespect to our country," Griner had said. Her stance was part of a broader movement within the WNBA to address issues of racial injustice.

However, after her harrowing experience in Russia, Griner’s perspective on the anthem seemed to shift. Last season, she stood with her teammates during the national anthem, expressing that it "hit different" after her time abroad. "It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up, and the anthem is playing, it just hits different," she remarked.

Despite the controversy, Griner remains focused on the opportunity to compete in Paris. She views the Olympics as the pinnacle of athletic achievement and is eager to contribute to Team USA’s success on the global stage.

The debate over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion continues, highlighting the complexities and passions involved in the selection process for national teams. As the Olympics approach, all eyes will be on the USA Women's Basketball team and their performance in Paris.

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