Caitlin Clark Reportedly Left Off Olympic Team For Insanely Dumb Reason

Caitlin Clark's fans reportedly played a role in her not being put on the Olympic team.

Basketball fans erupted with disappointment when it was reported Saturday that the Indiana Fever rookie didn't make the roster for games in Paris.

It makes absolutely no sense. She's the most famous women's basketball player in the world, and putting her on the roster would have guaranteed people paid attention.

Instead, the former Iowa phenom was snubbed, and her fans were apparently factored into the decision.

Cailtin Clark's fans reportedly played role in her not making Olympic team.

A shocking report from USA Today's Christine Brennan claims concerns about how her fans might react to limited playing time was one of the reasons Clark didn't make the team.

She reported the following:

"Two other sources, both long-time U.S. basketball veterans with decades of experience in the women’s game, told USA TODAY Sports Friday that concern over how Clark’s millions of fans would react to what would likely be limited playing time on a stacked roster was a factor in the decision making. If true, that would be an extraordinary admission of the tension that this multi-million-dollar sensation, who signs autographs for dozens of children before and after every game, has caused for the old guard of women’s basketball. The two people spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter."

Caitlin Clark isn't on the Olympic team. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

If Brennan's reporting is accurate, then the people responsible for putting together the Olympic team are unbelievably dumb and shortsighted.

Do they think her fans are going to march on Paris or something to demand more playing time? Concerns over her fans is an outrageous reason to not include her on the roster.

It's absolute insanity not backed up logic. The reality is that women's basketball in America is so great that any group of WNBA players could be sent and win the gold. Not giving a roster spot to the most famous female athlete in the country indicates they don't actually want attention.

Even if Clark only played seven to 10 minutes a game, her simply being on the team would generate attention and eyeballs. The games would have become appointment television for the same people tuning in for her record ratings in the WNBA.

Instead, Caitlin Clark will stay home, and it's a comically stupid decision. Let me know what you think at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.