Caitlin Clark’s influence on the game of basketball has reached far beyond college courts, making waves in the NBA All-Star Game conversation this weekend. The NBA reportedly extended an invitation to Clark to participate in a high-profile three-point shooting competition, alongside Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu. However, when Clark declined the invitation, the event ultimately fell through.

Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark (22), Lexie Hull (10) and Erica Wheeler

“We weren’t able to land on a plan we thought would raise the bar off of last year’s special moment,” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass explained. “We all agreed not to proceed.”

But some, including Fox Sports radio host Rob Parker, are placing the blame squarely on Clark, accusing her of “ruining” this highly anticipated event.

“Caitlin Clark has ruined NBA All-Star Weekend,” Parker remarked. “They invited her to be involved in the shooting contest with Steph, right? And they were gonna make this nice thing go, and give people something to watch. She is television ratings gold, right? Everything she’s in, people are watching. That would have been the only reason to watch any of the festivities this weekend.”

Parker went on to criticize Clark for her decision, saying, “She had the gall, the audacity, to say ‘no.’ How can she say no when the WNBA wouldn’t even be around if it wasn’t for the NBA? Guess how much money the WNBA lost this past year: $50 million. Even with Caitlin Clark and her numbers.”

He continued, “The least she could have done was do a solid for her brothers in the NBA. They aren’t earning their keep. Let’s just be honest. I’m being honest! The least she could have done was take part in that. And she has ruined NBA All-Star Weekend for me. I’m not watching one minute. Because of Caitlin Clark.”

This harsh criticism sparked a wave of support for Clark from fans, many of whom were quick to point out that Parker’s frustration was misdirected.

“Yeah, let’s put the blame on the biggest WNBA star there is for ruining an already ruined and down-bad event named All-Star Weekend,” one fan responded on social media.

“Clark did not ruin NBA All-Star Weekend. It was ruined when there was nothing to fight for. There’s zero reason to be competitive. The dunk contest is the worst thing I’ve ever witnessed, and the All-Star Game is unbearable to watch,” another fan added.

Others pointed out the absurdity of criticizing Clark no matter her decision. “If she went to NBA All-Star, she would be criticized. If she doesn’t go to NBA All-Star, she’s still criticized,” one person said.

As the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities tip off this Friday, the debate over Clark’s involvement continues, with fans rallying behind the star for staying true to her own path while highlighting the complexities of the All-Star event itself.