USA Today recently landed in hot water after publishing misleading information regarding college basketball player Caitlin Clark’s absence from the WNBA Orange Carpet event.
Initially, reporter Heather Burns stated that Clark skipped the event to attend a hair appointment in her hometown of Des Moines. This report incited criticism from various factions within the WNBA community.
This narrative was incorrect. Clark was actually hosting a charity dinner for the Caitlin Clark Foundation in Des Moines, which was her real reason for missing the event.
USA Today issued a correction, clarifying Clark’s charitable engagement as the reason for her absence. However, the statement was labeled a ‘clarification,’ despite the initial report being entirely false.
The outlet framed Clark in a negative light, suggesting her actions were selfish. Her charitable activity in actuality contradicted this portrayal.
OutKick sought comment from USA Today regarding whether the publication would issue an apology to Clark or acknowledge the correction as a full one rather than a mere clarification. No response had been provided at the time of publication.
Criticism also fell upon USA Today’s column by Nancy Armour comparing Clark’s on-the-court behavior to historical incidents of lynching. This comparison, related to an alleged flop during a basketball game, was met with backlash due to its insensitivity.
Ryan Glasspiegel, a sports media reporter, shared his view on Twitter, equating USA Today’s current state to a hotel chain mismanaged by private equity firms.
The recent handling of Clark’s coverage raises serious concerns about verification processes and editorial judgment at USA Today.
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