WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale has shared her reasons for withdrawing from Team USA's Olympic consideration, citing "politics" and a sense of not being wanted.
In an interview with ESPN's "SportsCenter," WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale shed light on her decision to withdraw from consideration for this year's Olympic squad. The Dallas Wings star had previously remained vague on the reasons behind her withdrawal but has now unveiled the underlying factors that influenced her choice.
Arike Ogunbowale Reveals "Politics" Behind Her Decision to Withdraw from Olympic Consideration
Ogunbowale expressed a belief that she was not "really wanted" on the team, leading her to remove herself from the selection process. She acknowledged the subjective nature of selection criteria in women's basketball and intimated that "politics" had played a role in her exclusion.
Expanding on her use of the term "politics," Ogunbowale noted that she has encountered instances of favoritism in both college and professional basketball. She believes that certain individuals are selected for teams based on factors beyond their athletic abilities.
Arike Ogunbowale Reveals "Politics" Behind Her Decision to Withdraw from Olympic Consideration
In this context, Ogunbowale stated, "They choose who they want to choose, and that has nothing to do with me." She emphasized her confidence in her skills, stating that her Olympic status does not diminish her abilities or her gratitude for the opportunity to play basketball.
Ogunbowale's decision has sparked discussions about the culture of selection in women's basketball. Some have questioned the fairness and transparency of the process, while others have argued that it is simply a matter of coaches selecting the players they believe will best represent their team.
Arike Ogunbowale Reveals "Politics" Behind Her Decision to Withdraw from Olympic Consideration
Team USA, without Ogunbowale, will face Japan on Monday in its first game of the Olympics. The team's roster includes other notable players such as Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, and Diana Taurasi.
Ogunbowale's withdrawal has raised questions about the prevalence of "politics" in women's sports, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. As more and more female athletes speak out about their experiences, it remains to be seen whether the culture of selection will undergo any significant changes.
Despite her disappointment at not being selected for the Olympics, Ogunbowale remains focused on her professional career. She is currently averaging 22.3 points per game for the Dallas Wings and has established herself as one of the league's most dynamic offensive players.
Ogunbowale's future in international basketball remains uncertain, but her decision to withdraw from Olympic consideration is a reflection of her belief that the selection process is not always fair or transparent. It will be interesting to see how this decision impacts her career and the wider discussion about "politics" in women's sports.
In the meantime, Ogunbowale's star continues to shine in the WNBA, where she will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact on the game and inspire young female athletes around the world.
