Gaines Questions Anthem Absences and Representation

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries opted not to be on the court for the national anthem before the first two games of the WNBA Finals. This decision has sparked Riley Gaines to suggest that consequences should follow for athletes who choose to skip the anthem when representing the United States on an international level.

Gaines first expressed her views after sharing a video from OutKick highlighting the absence during Game 2’s anthem. “In my view, if you kneel for the flag and what it symbolizes, then you shouldn’t represent the USA at the Olympics,” Gaines stated on X.

DREAM, VALKYRIES SKIP NATIONAL ANTHEM IN WNBA FINALS GAME 2 DESPITE RULEBOOK REQUIREMENT

In a further statement to OutKick, she elaborated on her perspective regarding players who avoid the anthem. “The American flag and our national anthem reflect the identity of the American people—not the political party or administration in power. They embody the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made by countless individuals,” she explained.

Gaines continued, “When players leave the court to avoid the national anthem, they’re sending a deliberate message. They certainly have the right to express themselves this way; after all, free speech includes choosing when to show respect.”

“However,” she added, “I believe that such choices have ramifications, particularly when those same athletes later desire to represent the U.S. on an international stage.”

Neither team in the Finals, nor the WNBA, has provided responses to OutKick regarding their absence from the anthem. The NBA, which is currently seeking a new WNBA commissioner, also remained silent on the issue.

NBA STAYS SILENT ON WNBA FINALS TEAMS SKIPPING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN GAMES 1 AND 2

Gaines pointed out that patriotism doesn’t demand blind loyalty to a party or ignore America’s imperfections. Yet, she argued, athletes looking to represent the nation should be scrutinized based on their attitude towards the anthem.

“If an athlete views standing for the anthem as something optional or distasteful during the WNBA season, it raises legitimate questions about their readiness to embrace the honor of representing the country on a global scale,” she remarked.

Former Georgia state Representative Vernon Jones went even further, suggesting that the players from both teams should be disqualified from Olympic basketball representation. He insisted that those absent players “should not be eligible for the U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team.”

Atlanta’s Team USA Connection Includes Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard

Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard were both named to Team USA’s roster for the 2026 Women’s World Cup, a notable first for the franchise. The Dream announced these selections in August.

While the Golden State Valkyries had no players on that roster, both players stood for the anthem when representing the U.S. during the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup.

However, the obligation to respect the nation doesn’t vanish when they switch from the USA jersey to the WNBA jersey. Missing the anthem during the Finals doesn’t meet the expectations we should have for athletes representing this country.

Sage Steele Warns Anthem Absences Could Drive Fans Away

Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele also weighed in, calling out the WNBA players and leadership for what she views as disrespect towards the nation. In a social media post, she expressed concern that such actions would alienate fans.

“Are they entitled to express themselves? Absolutely. But there’s a cost,” Steele remarked, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences of their choices.

She added, “I genuinely hope they understand that this ongoing lack of respect could push fans away for good. It’s their own doing.” While players have the freedom to express themselves, that freedom often comes with its own set of repercussions. It’s important to note that expressing disapproval of these actions is also a valid response.

WNBA Rulebook Calls for an Anthem Lineup

During both the opener and Game 2 of the Finals, players were not present on the floor during the anthem, although they returned almost immediately after it concluded. The WNBA’s official rulebook stipulates that players, coaches, and trainers should stand respectfully along the sidelines during the anthem.

After trying to reach the WNBA and both teams for clarification on the anthem requirements and how they plan to address this in Game 3, OutKick found their inquiries unanswered.

For Gaines, the responsibility associated with wearing a USA jersey extends beyond the realm of the WNBA. “Wearing a USA jersey is about public responsibility, not just a personal entitlement that comes with athletic success,” she concluded.