Jason Sudeikis Ditches Speaking Gig To Watch Caitlin Clark Play Against Chicago Sky
"Ted Lasso" actor Jason Sudeikis ditched an engagement to watch Caitlin Clark play basketball. Like fellow WNBA fans, Sudeikis anticipated Sunday's matchup between Clark and the rival Chicago Sky, featuring Angel Reese. Sudeikis has long been a fan of Clark's, attending her games at Iowa, including a turbulent March Madness matchup between Iowa and LSU.
Turns out, Sudeikis was scheduled to speak at a conference Sunday but dropped out to attend the WNBA contest.
ALBANY, NEW YORK - APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with Jason Sudeikis after the Iowa Hawkeyes beat the LSU Tigers 94-87 in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on April 01, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Sudeikis was scheduled to be a featured speaker in Chicago on Sunday at a 26,000-person conference on human resources management. The SHRM '24 (Society for Human Resource Management) conference replaced Sudeikis with legendary weatherman Al Roker.
SHRM-CP's Principal HR Business Partner Kyra Matkovich shared a photo from the event Sunday, showcasing Roker's sit-down with SHRM Board Chair Betty Thompson.
According to Matkovich, Thompson criticized Sudeikis for dropping out at the ‘last minute.'
But die-hard sports fans everywhere championed Sudeikis' decision-making.
"What does Jason Sudeikis know about HR," one X user questioned.
Other featured stars and entertainers scheduled for the event include comedian Jay Leno and singer Kelly Clarkson.
The conference's online program description read,
"With more than 375 sessions, SHRM24 gives you in-depth insights into all things HR. From the basics every HR professional needs (no matter the role, tenure or industry), to offerings for C-suite leaders, to the latest ideas that are changing the workplace landscape, SHRM24 is sure to help you stay on top of what’s to come in the world of work, no matter where you are in your HR career."
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 5: Jason Sudeikis attends the game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks on June 5, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
This marks Indiana and Chicago's third matchup of the season. Indiana and Clark defeated Chicago by one point in their first matchup and cruised to a win in Game 2, where Clark scored 23 points. Both contests were fiery, and the matchups quickly became the league's most bankable rivalry.
Sky players Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter made headlines for deliberately rough plays against Clark — setting the stage for a primetime Game 3 between these teams.
Sudeikis wasn't the only big name in the seats at Wintrust Arena. Artist Chance the Rapper accompanied Sudeikis courtside and New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson was also in the building for the star-studded game.
The actor got his money's worth, even if his favorite ball player lost. The Sky surged in the second half to overcome a 23-point deficit and defeat the Fever, 88-87. Clark played all 40 minutes and scored 17 points.
Angel Reese played an incredible game to finally defeat Clark in the pros, scoring 25 points and securing 16 rebounds.
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on prior to a game against the Chicago Sky on June 23, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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