Vance condemns WNBA players for skipping national anthem at finals

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 01:44 · Archive

Vice President JD Vance called WNBA players 'disgraceful' for leaving the court during the national anthem in the finals.

Vice President JD Vance sharply criticised WNBA players in the league finals for skipping the national anthem, calling them 'disgraceful'. Players from both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem before games in the series, despite a league rulebook requiring players to stand and line up during the performance.

Vance said in an interview that players should not express criticism of public policy by 'disrespecting the country writ large'. He called on the players to show more gratitude for their positions, citing their public safety, wealth and 'amazing jobs'. He suggested that with 'a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they'd be happier people, and they wouldn't offend so many people as well'.

Vance also invoked Catholic doctrine on the ordering of duties, suggesting people owe duties to their country alongside duties to family and the wider world. The anthem walkouts have remained a divisive theme throughout the seven-game series.

How it is being reported

• JD Vance condemns ‘disgraceful’ protests at WNBA Finals, says players need to show more respectVice President JD Vance called the WNBA Finals national anthem walkouts disgraceful, saying athletes should show more gratitude to the United States.New York Post · 22 Oct, 01:55
• WNBA stars defy JD Vance criticism and run off court before the national anthem AGAIN ahead of Game 3 of Finals: 'Disgraceful'It has been a divisive theme of the seven-game series, with Vance branding the walk-offs 'disgraceful.' 'This is your country,' the vice president said. 'We're all meant to love it.'Daily Mail Sport · 22 Oct, 01:29
• Vance condemns 'disgraceful' WNBA national anthem walkouts, says players should show more gratitudeVice President JD Vance was harshly critical of WNBA players skipping the national anthem during this year's finals, calling them "disgraceful."Fox News · 21 Oct, 22:54

In this story: JD Vance · Atlanta Dream · Golden State Valkyries · WNBA

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