Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Rips Into Reporter Over Caitlin Clark Olympics Query

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve made it abundantly clear questions regarding Caitlin Clark and the Olympics were unwelcome after Sunday's game against the Indiana Fever.

Reeve, who also serves as the head coach for the U.S. Women’s National Team, did not hold back her frustration when asked about Clark's future with the national squad.

“Why the hell would I answer a national team question?” Reeve said in response to ESPN reporter Myron Medcalf. “I’m wearing Lynx. And I’m the head coach of the national team but I’m not the chair of the committee. Anybody want to venture into anything else?”

Medcalf noted in a subsequent tweet that Reeve “walked by me after her response to that question, she said, ‘Appreciate you.'”

Clark, who was the top pick in this year’s WNBA draft by the Fever, made headlines for not being selected for USA Basketball’s 12-woman Olympic team roster. The decision sparked debate. Some argued Clark’s star power could boost the Games' viewership. Others believe she isn’t ready for the national team spotlight.

Jen Rizzotti, the chair of the selection committee, said the decision was based purely on basketball criteria, dismissing the idea that Clark's popularity influenced the outcome.

Before the Fever’s 81-74 victory over the Lynx Sunday, Reeve brushed off another reporter’s question about the increased attendance at Target Center due to Clark’s presence.

“I don’t give two s–ts,” she said. When pressed further, she added, “(I don’t give) not even one s–t.”

The game drew a sellout crowd of 18,978, many eager to see Clark in action.

Reflecting on the support, Clark said: “There were a lot of Fever fans. They were cheering, going crazy. A lot of people that probably supported me when I was here playing with Iowa, but it’s a great venue, the Target Center is awesome.”

Clark contributed 10 of her 17 points in the fourth quarter, adding three rebounds and six assists to her performance.

Reeve acknowledged the impact of players like Clark on the league's growing popularity, comparing it to the arrival of legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in the NBA.

“Everybody knows that the reason why our teams around the league are having sell-outs are because Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are coming to town,” Reeve said. “Angel Reese has impacted their attendance at the Chicago games, and I suspect on the road as well. So what the league can do is to be ready to go to capitalize on the moments but it’s much like when we saw (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson) came in the league (NBA), right. The league has been building for a watershed moment and we’re here, and now you have to take advantage of it.”

The WNBA All-Star Game, featuring rookies Clark and Reese, is set for Saturday in Phoenix, pitting Team WNBA against Team USA.

The 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, with the women’s basketball competition beginning on July 27 in Lille, France.

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