When it comes to speaking his mind, Stephen A. Smith is never one to shy away from sharing his opinion. Known for his unapologetically blunt commentary on sports topics, the ESPN host recently made waves with a fiery response to Team USA’s decision to omit Caitlin Clark from its roster for the upcoming women’s basketball international competitions. Smith, who has consistently praised Clark’s transcendent talent, took issue with the decision and wasn’t afraid to voice his displeasure.

In a segment that quickly gained attention across social media and sports news outlets, Stephen A. didn’t hold back, calling the omission a “mistake” and questioning whether Team USA was truly making the best choice for its future. Let’s break down what Stephen A. had to say about Caitlin Clark’s exclusion and why it has sparked such a strong reaction.

The Controversial Decision to Leave Out Clark

Team USA Women’s Basketball has long been the dominant force in international basketball, and with stars like Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson anchoring the squad, they are expected to continue that reign for the foreseeable future. However, the decision to leave out Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest and most exciting talents in women’s college basketball, shocked many fans and analysts alike.

Clark, who has taken the college basketball world by storm with her scoring, playmaking, and leadership, was widely expected to be a natural fit for Team USA. As the reigning Naismith College Player of the Year and a player who has revolutionized the women’s game with her deep shooting range and dynamic offensive play, Clark seemed like an obvious choice for the team.

Yet, the final roster for Team USA’s upcoming international competitions omitted her name. The decision immediately sparked backlash from basketball fans, media, and players alike. While the decision-makers pointed to the need to balance veteran experience with youth and growth, many questioned why Clark—who has already proven she can compete at the highest level in college—was not selected.

Stephen A. Smith’s Response: A “Major Mistake”

Stephen A. Smith, never one to shy away from calling out perceived injustices, wasted no time in addressing what he saw as a glaring oversight. In a heated segment on ESPN, Smith expressed his disbelief and frustration with the decision.

“This is a major mistake. I don’t care what anyone says,” Smith began. “Caitlin Clark has been nothing short of spectacular, and not just on the college level. The way she plays the game, the way she’s revolutionized women’s basketball, you can’t ignore that. She’s not only an amazing scorer, but her leadership, her impact on the court—she’s one of the most electrifying players in the game right now. For Team USA to omit her is, quite frankly, baffling.”

Smith’s response echoed what many fans were thinking: Caitlin Clark is a generational talent, and it seems unfathomable to leave her off the team. He pointed out that Clark’s game is exactly what Team USA could benefit from, particularly in the fast-paced, high-scoring international tournaments where shooting and perimeter play are crucial.

“If you’re Team USA, you want players who can shoot the basketball and create for others. Caitlin Clark can do that in spades,” Smith said. “This isn’t a situation where you’re questioning her ability. Her skillset is undeniable. I don’t care about the supposed balance of experience—this is a player who will change games with her scoring and playmaking ability. If you’re overlooking her, you’re making a huge mistake.”

The Case for Caitlin Clark: Why She Deserves to Be on Team USA

Stephen A.’s frustration with Team USA’s decision is rooted in his belief that Caitlin Clark is not just an excellent player—she’s an essential piece for any team aiming for success. For Smith, Clark is a player whose talent transcends the college level and deserves a shot to prove herself on the international stage.

“We’re talking about a player who’s changed the entire landscape of women’s college basketball,” Smith argued. “She’s already put up numbers that are jaw-dropping—scoring 40+ points in games, leading her team to big wins, and putting on performances that have people talking. There’s no one in college basketball who’s been more talked about, and for good reason. She’s a game-changer. If you’re Team USA, you need to take that kind of talent into your fold.”

Beyond her scoring, Smith pointed out that Clark’s vision and basketball IQ are elite. She’s not just a shooter—she’s a playmaker, capable of running the offense and creating opportunities for her teammates. These are qualities that any national team, particularly one as competitive as Team USA, could use in abundance.

Furthermore, Stephen A. emphasized the importance of continuing to build the pipeline of talent for women’s basketball. With players like Brittney Griner and Sue Bird aging, it’s crucial for Team USA to embrace the future of the sport, and Caitlin Clark embodies that future.

“This isn’t just about putting the best players on the court right now. This is about preparing Team USA for the next wave of competition,” Smith explained. “Caitlin Clark represents the next generation. If you want to stay ahead of the competition globally, you have to incorporate young stars like her into the mix. She’s ready. She should be there.”

The Bigger Picture: Women’s Basketball and Equal Recognition

Stephen A. also took a broader view of the situation, addressing the ongoing struggle for recognition that women’s basketball faces in comparison to their male counterparts. He pointed out that decisions like this one, where an undeniable talent like Caitlin Clark is left off the roster, could have broader implications for how the sport is perceived moving forward.

“We’ve got to stop treating women’s basketball like it’s some afterthought,” Smith said. “Caitlin Clark is just one example of a player who deserves more respect. She’s playing at the highest level, changing the game, and yet she’s being overlooked when it comes to representing Team USA. It’s part of a larger issue where women’s sports aren’t given the same attention or the same opportunities as men’s sports. That needs to change.”

Smith’s comments struck a chord with many who feel that women’s basketball is still fighting for equal recognition, both on and off the court. While the WNBA and women’s college basketball have gained more attention in recent years, decisions like this one remind us that there’s still a long way to go in terms of equality and respect for women athletes.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Team USA

Stephen A. Smith’s response to Team USA’s decision to omit Caitlin Clark isn’t just about one player or one team—it’s about the future of women’s basketball. By speaking out, Smith is not only defending Clark’s talent but also making an important point about the need for the women’s game to receive the recognition it deserves.

Caitlin Clark’s omission from Team USA is a decision that’s left many scratching their heads, and Stephen A.’s strong response underscores just how significant that oversight is. Clark’s talent and impact on the game are undeniable, and it’s clear that if Team USA wants to stay ahead of the curve, they’ll need to embrace players like her who are revolutionizing the sport.

If nothing else, Stephen A.’s remarks should serve as a wake-up call for those in charge of Team USA, and for anyone else in the basketball world who may still be overlooking the immense talent of Caitlin Clark.