Two WNBA players were immediately disqualified for kneeling during the flag ceremony
In a shocking and controversial turn in American women’s sports, two WNBA players were immediately disqualified after kneeling during the national flag ceremony. The incident, which occurred just before the start of a highly anticipated game, sent shockwaves through the league, sparking intense debate about free speech, patriotism, and the place of protests in professional sports.
The two athletes, whose identities were confirmed shortly after the incident, knelt during the national anthem as a peaceful protest against social and racial injustice. Their gesture, though silent, immediately attracted the attention of spectators, officials, and the media. Less than two minutes after the incident, both players were asked to leave the court and were officially disqualified from the match, sparking an outcry from their teammates and free speech advocates.
According to the league’s official statement, the players violated current protocol for national ceremonies, which stipulates that all athletes must stand and show respect during the flag raising. However, many voices are speaking out against the punishment, which they deem disproportionate and contrary to the fundamental principles of freedom of expression, especially in a league that has historically stood in favor of civil rights.
The reaction on social media was immediate and overwhelming. Millions of fans, public figures, and former players expressed their support for the players, praising their courage and denouncing what they saw as an attempt to silence a legitimate protest. The hashtag #WNBASolidarity quickly went viral, turning the incident into a national and international talking point.
This protest recalls the iconic actions of NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who also knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality and systemic racism. At the time, Kaepernick was at the center of a similar media storm, and his actions continue to inspire athletes across all sports. The two WNBA players, therefore, appear to be part of this same tradition of sports activists using their platforms to raise awareness for pressing social causes.
On the governing body side, the WNBA finds itself in a delicate position. While it has often supported the rights of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people, this disqualification decision appears to run counter to its stated values. Several major league sponsors have already expressed their concern, some even going so far as to call for an immediate reevaluation of the policy regarding official ceremonies.
In a press release issued after the incident, a representative of the WNBA players’ association said: “We cannot preach inclusivity and justice while punishing our athletes for peacefully expressing their opinions. These women committed no crime; they simply exercised their fundamental right to freedom of expression.”
Numerous political figures and human rights defenders have also taken a stand, calling for the immediate reinstatement of the two athletes and the opening of a constructive dialogue on how peaceful protests can be respected in the sporting context.
This case raises fundamental questions about the role of athletes as engaged citizens. At a time when sports platforms have become powerful vehicles for social messaging, the disqualification of these two players could mark a turning point in how sports institutions manage individual expression in a collective context.
Neither player has yet to make a public statement, but their lawyers have announced that they are exploring possible appeals to challenge the sanction. This debate is certainly only just beginning, and the issue of freedom of expression in professional sport will continue to divide, inspire, and change the rules of the game.