USA Today falsely reported that Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark skipped the WNBA All-Star Weekend Orange Carpet to "get her hair done in her hometown of Des Moines," according to reporter Heather Burns. The outlet later issued a clarification stating Clark missed the event because she was attending a charity dinner for the Caitlin Clark Foundation.

This false report followed a controversial column by USA Today reporter Nancy Armour, who compared Clark's alleged flop on the basketball court to the people who lynched Black individuals, a comparison widely criticized as egregious.

The inaccurate coverage has sparked backlash within the WNBA community and raised questions about USA Today's recent reporting on Clark. Critics argue the outlet's coverage has deteriorated, with some suggesting it should cease operations until it apologizes to Clark.

Clark, 22, recently played against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 22, 2026.

Sources