Vance Slams WNBA Players for National Anthem Walkouts as 'Disgraceful'

Vice President JD Vance has sharply criticized WNBA players for leaving the court during the national anthem, labeling their actions "disgraceful" in a recent interview.

Players from both the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries have reportedly exited the court before the national anthem for the first two games of the WNBA Finals. This behavior occurs despite a league rulebook that specifies players should stand and line up during the anthem.

"I think it’s disgraceful," Vance stated on "Arroyo Grande," arguing that criticism of public policy should not involve disrespecting the country. He emphasized the privileges and opportunities afforded to the athletes in the United States, suggesting that a greater spirit of gratitude would lead to greater happiness and less public offense.

Vance drew upon Catholic philosophical concepts, specifically mentioning "Ordo Amoris," a concept of ordered love, to frame his argument. He articulated that while individuals have duties to family and the broader world, they also owe duties to their national community. "Whether you were born in the United States or whether you came here by choice, this is your country. And I think that we’re all meant to love it," Vance said. He added, "But fundamentally, I think, without love of country, I think that you’re going to be a disordered human being."

Political strategist Mary Marslender echoed Vance's sentiments, asserting that the WNBA players lack perspective on their privileged position. "The WNBA players are treating a country that has given them extraordinary privileges as if it were an oppressor, while ignoring that American women enjoy rights and opportunities that remain rare or nonexistent for most women elsewhere," Marslender commented. She further stated, "If these activists hate this country that much, they are free to leave it. The rest of us are done with this disrespect."

Fox News Digital reached out to the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association for comment but did not receive an immediate reply.