The First Lady set sports social media ablaze after she boldly invited, Caitlin Clark and the rest of the Iowa women’s college basketball team to the White House – along with the NCAA champions, LSU. A complete slap in the face to the rightful champions. The statement was deemed disrespectful and damn near racist, considering the racial implications in this feud between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and their respective teams all tournament long, and in the aftermath of LSU’s title win.
“I know we’ll have the champions come to the White House. Iowa should come, too, because they played such a good game” – Jill Biden
Since when did we give out participation trophies?
Fans, and social media users, alike, voiced their opinions and there’s a (sad) divide. Amidst the online backlash and comments, Caitlin Clark released a video statement.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all. I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was gonna be a little trash talk in the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel.”
She continued..
“We’re all competitive. We all show our emotions in a different way. You know, Angel is a tremendous, tremendous player. I have nothing but respect for her. I love her game — the way she rebounds the ball, scores the ball is absolutely incredible. I’m a big fan of her, and even the entire LSU team. They played an amazing game.”
Caitlin’s statement comes in the aftermath of all the social media-fueled debates and Reese’s social media post where she calls Biden’s invitation for Iowa to join A JOKE.
A joke, indeed.
Basketball, along with any other sport, is competitive. Teams practice, put in hours, and bust their asses all year long to earn their trophies and rings. How dare people try to strip LSU of something they respectfully earned?
While the First Lady’s PR team went into damage control mode, it feels like the damage is already done. Despite, even, after Joe Biden’s tweet where he seems welcoming of (just) LSU’s White House arrival.
“I don’t think runner-ups usually go to the White House. LSU should enjoy that moment for them. And congratulations, obviously; they deserve to go there. Maybe I could go to the White House (someday) on different terms” – Caitlin Clark
"I don't think runner-ups usually go to the White House. I think LSU should enjoy that moment for them."
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
—Caitlin Clark on if Iowa should join LSU at the White House (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/M35mGY8oPp
