Online discussions and fan reactions intensified following a recent WNBA game where several Indiana Fever players, including star Caitlin Clark, did not place their hands over their hearts during the national anthem. Footage circulating on social media highlighted teammate Sophie Cunningham as the sole player from the Fever to perform the gesture, leading to her being lauded as a "patriot" by some fans.
The incident occurred before the Indiana Fever's overtime victory against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. While Clark contributed 26 points to her team's 95-91 win, her pre-game conduct during "The Star-Spangled Banner" became a focal point of online commentary. Critics expressed disappointment, with one widely shared post stating, "Sophie Cunningham stood with her hand over her heart for the entire National Anthem. Caitlin Clark didn’t. The Atlanta Dream couldn’t even be bothered to come out for it. Absolutely disrespectful. This entire league is trash at this point. Thank God for Sophie Cunningham."
Further comments condemned the players' actions, with one user asserting that "Giving excuses to 24 year olds for not putting their hand over their heart during the national anthem is disrespectful." Another fan declared Cunningham the "only good thing about the WNBA" and vowed to support her individually while disengaging from the rest of the league. Some pointed to U.S. Government Information guidelines, which suggest civilians stand at attention with their right hand over their heart, though they acknowledged the advisory nature of these guidelines.
Accusations of disrespect and a "woke mentality" were leveled against the league and specific players. One post questioned Clark directly, asking, "Why not @CaitlinClark22??? Do you hate America too? Be more like Sophie. I hope your parents taught you better."
However, not all reactions were critical. Supporters defended Clark and her teammates, with some noting that the hand-over-heart gesture is a relatively recent tradition and that respectful standing with a hat off was previously sufficient. Another commenter stated, "No need to harp on Caitlin. She’s a proud American," and pointed out Clark's own expressions of honor when playing for Team USA.
Sophie Cunningham has recently been in the spotlight for other reasons, including her public stance on transgender athletes in women's sports. In a separate display of patriotism, she was filmed singing Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue" at a bar following her team's win.
The debate underscores broader cultural conversations surrounding displays of patriotism among athletes and the expectations of fans. The Indiana Fever ultimately secured a 95-91 overtime victory against the Atlanta Dream.