Stephen A Smith speaking (left0 Caitlin Clark in Fever jersey (right)

Stephen A. Smith and Caitlin Clark (Photos via @awfulannouncing/X & Twitter)

Stephen A. Smith was not pleased with USA Basketball’s decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the women’s roster for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Clark, despite her early struggles in the WNBA, was thought to be a shoo-in to represent her country at said event, so her snub came as a shock.

Smith heatedly pointed out why Clark’s omission was the wrong decision, branding it idiotic and stupid during Monday’s episode of ‘First Take.’

“This is about what I will personally label ‘The Idiocy of Team USA Women’s Basketball.’ How dare you make this decision. It’s stupid,” he declared.

“Caitlin Clark does not deserve a spot ahead of any of the players on this roster — if we’re talking just basketball. You know we’re not.”

Smith explained that Caitlin Clark’s exclusion will ultimately affect the bottom line, claiming Christian Laettner wasn’t on the Dream Team because of basketball but because he was a popular college player.

Check it out below:

Shannon Sharpe Also Calls USA Basketball Out For “Bull Jiving”

Shannon Sharpe, who makes weekly appearances on ‘First Take,’ largely agreed with Stephen A’s assessment.

“Are we really trying to grow the game?” he asked. “Because this is the most popular women’s basketball player in the world and it ain’t close… So are we really trying to grow the game? Is that what we’re really trying to do? Or are we just talking about ‘we’re trying to grow the game’ and just bull jiving?”

It’s rumored that there were worries about Caitlin Clark’s huge fanbase turning against the squad over her expected limited playing time, which is why she was left off.

In any case, the U.S. women’s basketball team remain heavy favorites to return home with gold.