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 a report by USA Today reporter Heather Burns. This misinformation followed a controversial column by another 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.

Clark actually missed the Orange Carpet because she was hosting a charity dinner for the Caitlin Clark Foundation in her hometown. The false report sparked backlash across the WNBA community, particularly among anti-Clark and anti-White groups.

Critics have questioned USA Today's coverage of Clark over the past week, with some suggesting the outlet's journalistic standards have deteriorated. One commentator likened USA Today to a hotel chain repeatedly sold to private equity firms that extract profits while the product declines.

Clark, 22, plays for the Indiana Fever and was recently seen competing against the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 22, 2026.

It has been suggested that USA Today should issue a formal apology to Caitlin Clark and reconsider its coverage approach.

Sources