Kelsey Plum smoking Cigar around KidsKelsey Plum (Image Credits: SoleRetriever/X)

At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the American women’s basketball team secured the country’s gold medal after achieving a flawless 6-0 record.

The impressive roster of Team USA, featuring players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, and A’ja Wilson, contributed to their consecutive outstanding performances, ultimately leading to their remarkable victory. However, one of Team USA’s star players sparked a controversy after the extraordinary success.

Kelsey Plum, recently caught posing hilariously after making a shot, amazed everyone with her post-win celebration. She posted several photos and videos of her celebration, including one video in which she was smoking a cigar in front of children in the background.

While many fans were excited to see the Las Vegas Aces star’s bold style, this also sparked debate among fans concerned about the kids’ health. Fans expressed worry about the children inhaling the smoke from Plum’s cigar.

A fan criticized Plum by saying, “With kids in the background. Yikes.”

Meanwhile another fan mentioned, “Not sure if that’s appropriate around children.”

Another fan commented, “Smoking around kids is cringe.”

Another fan reacted, “Honestly… it looks terrible. One of the most try-hard things that athletes continually do… and I have no idea why.”

Kelsey Plum’s Vital Contribution to Team USA’s Triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Plum exhibited exceptional skills during the 2024 Olympics. She delivered multiple outstanding performances that propelled Team USA to its eighth straight gold medal.

In the first game against Japan, Plum scored 11 points, made one steal, and contributed three assists. In the second game against Belgium, she scored only two points. However, in the third game against Germany, Plum finished with 6 points, one steal, and five assists, and in the fourth game against Nigeria, she once again scored 6 points.

Plum’s performance in the semifinals was unsatisfactory, as she only scored 2 points for the team. Nevertheless, she played a critical role in the gold medal-winning game against France by scoring 12 points, delivering four assists, and grabbing one rebound.