WNBA Players Again Skip National Anthem Before Finals Game
For the second consecutive game, players from both the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream were absent from the court during the pre-game national anthem.
Players from the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream were not present on the court for the national anthem prior to Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, mirroring a similar situation in the series' opening game. The absence occurred moments before singer Alanis Morissette performed "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Following the anthem, both teams returned to the court for tip-off. The exact reason for the players leaving the court has not been explicitly stated, but this marks the second consecutive Finals game where this has occurred.
The WNBA's official rulebook stipulates that players are required to stand and line up on the court during the national anthem. The Daily Mail has reached out to the WNBA for comment regarding the players' actions and whether any disciplinary action may be taken.
Social media reactions from fans expressed significant anger towards the players' decision, with some comments containing violent suggestions. The controversy comes as the Atlanta Dream, led by Angel Reese, defeated the Golden State Valkyries 79-65 to tie the series at 1-1. Reese recorded 30 points and 16 rebounds in the game, making her the third player in WNBA history to achieve at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game. The series is now set to continue in Atlanta for Game 3.
