Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham expressed her disagreement with the two teams in the WNBA Finals choosing to leave the court during the national anthem.
Cunningham, who was a lightning rod for controversy for her stance on transgender girls and women participating in women’s sports, shared her thoughts on the move being done by the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream.
While she did not specifically mention the two teams by name, Cunningham told podcaster and comedian Theo Von that she doesn’t pass judgement on those who avoid standing on the court.
‘This has been happening throughout the whole season. This isn’t like anything new, people are getting mad about it now but it’s happened the whole season. I don’t know. I just feel like personally… I am grateful and I support the people who serve,’ Cunningham said in an interview with Von.
‘We have family members who have served and they’re over there doing that are unimaginable for us to out here living our dreams and having the freedoms that we live.
‘Anytime that I can shout out our veterans and the people who are currently fighting for us to live in the best country, I’m going to show that support, I’m going to give them love.
WNBA player Sophie Cunningham says she doesn’t agree with WNBA teams leaving the court for the national anthem before games are played, but says it’s a personal decision
The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have left the court before the anthems at every one of the five games so far in this year’s WNBA Finals
Both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have spoken out against this move
‘That’s where I stand. That doesn’t mean that’s where everyone stands and if it’s right, wrong, whatever. I take a lot of pride in where I come from and I’m proud to be an American citizen.’
WNBA teams have skipped the anthem many times in the past, but a spotlight on the WNBA Finals has brought the issue back to the forefront.
The two teams have left the court for all of the five previously played games of this year’s championship series before the anthem began. Both sides returned to the floor right after the anthem ended.
The WNBA has not responded to multiple previous requests for comment from the Daily Mail asking if there are any punishments expected for either team.
Neither team has provided a specific reason for the decision to leave the court, with Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase and player Gabby Williams saying this is an established part of their pregame routine.
The decision has been criticized by many, including President Trump, who said at a rally: ‘You know, they’ll destroy themselves before they get started. Because they just started to do good… They leave the court when the national anthems play. What’s that all about?’
Vice President JD Vance was also critical: ‘I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large,’ Vance said.
‘I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs they have.’
