Two WNBA Players Disqualified After Kneeling During National Anthem—A Deep Dive Into the Incident and Its Aftermath

In a stunning display of protest and discipline, two Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players were disqualified from a game this week after choosing to kneel during the playing of the national anthem. The incident, which took place as the flag was presented in a highly anticipated regular-season matchup, quickly garnered nationwide attention and reignited ongoing debates around athlete activism, patriotism, and the intersection of sports and social justice.

This article explores the incident in detail, examines its broader significance, and outlines the subsequent reactions from league officials, fellow athletes, and the public.

The Incident

The controversy unfolded moments before tip-off, as players from both teams lined up on the court for the traditional pregame playing of the national anthem. As “The Star-Spangled Banner” began, two players—whose names we withhold pending confirmation from all parties—took a knee, bowing their heads in silent protest.

This simple act was reminiscent of similar demonstrations in professional and collegiate sports that began gaining prominence in 2016, notably with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. While kneeling during the anthem has never been explicitly banned in the WNBA, it remains a polarizing gesture, seen by some as a statement against racial injustice and by others as disrespectful to the nation and its flag.

Within seconds, referees and league officials conferred courtside. Shockingly, the two players were instructed to leave the court, with an official announcement declaring each “disqualified for conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game.” This marked the first such enforcement of discipline for anthem protests in WNBA history.

Fallout: Mixed Responses from League and Public

The league’s swift disciplinary action sparked immediate reaction, both in the arena and across social media. Basketball fans, athletes, and civil rights advocates quickly weighed in.

League Statement

Hours after the incident, the WNBA released a brief statement:

“The Women’s National Basketball Association expects all players and personnel to uphold league values on and off the court. While diversity of opinion and freedom of expression remain central to our identity, conduct that detracts from the unity and integrity of the game may result in disciplinary action.”

Notably, the WNBA’s rules regarding pregame ceremonies are vaguely worded, leaving significant room for interpretation by officials.

Players’ Union Response

The WNBA Players Association responded forcefully, condemning the disqualifications and vowing to defend the athletes’ rights. In a statement, union leaders declared:

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, and no player should face discipline for engaging in a nonviolent demonstration against injustice. We will vigorously support our members and seek a full review of today’s decision.”

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Several players on both teams expressed solidarity with their disqualified teammates, some taking to social media with messages of support while others mentioned the need for collective action. One coach, speaking anonymously, noted: “Our players stand for what is right. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about humanity, and our league should lead, not stifle, that conversation.”

Public and Fan Reactions

Online, the response has been both supportive and critical. Many fans praised the players’ courage and lamented the league’s apparent stifling of free expression, seeing the move as a setback for a league long considered progressive. Others, however, applauded the enforcement of pregame “protocols,” arguing that sports events should be “free from political protest.”

A History of Athlete Activism in the WNBA

The WNBA has a rich history of activism, from players wearing T-shirts to protest police violence to league-wide moments of silence after tragedies. The organization has often been at the cutting edge of advocacy work around gender and racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social reform.

In recent years, anthem protests have occurred with regularity in professional sports, including the WNBA. Players and teams have often knelt, locked arms, or stayed in locker rooms during the anthem as an expression of solidarity against systemic racism and police brutality.

What makes this incident unique is its outcome: never before has the league summarily disqualified players mid-ceremony for this form of protest. Some experts believe the unprecedented discipline may reflect new pressures from sponsors or league executives sensitive to public opinion.

Legal and Ethical Questions

The disqualification raises thorny questions about free speech, workplace policy, and the boundaries of protest in professional sports.

Free Speech Versus League Rules

As private employees and members of a professional organization, WNBA players are subject to league policies. Yet the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, which protects free expression, does not apply to private employers in the same way it does to government action.

Civil rights lawyers have pointed out that while leagues can promulgate conduct rules, punishing non-disruptive, peaceful protest—especially in a climate where social justice is central to the league’s identity—may carry both reputational and ethical risks.

Consistency and Precedent

The league’s move also prompts broader questions: Will this become a new norm? Should players expect to be disciplined every time they kneel? What does this mean for a league that has prided itself on supporting athlete-led activism?

The Road Ahead: Possible Ramifications

Both the disqualified players and the Players Association have announced intentions to contest the ruling, potentially setting up a legal and public relations battle. There is speculation about upcoming protest actions in future games, including possible mass demonstrations or strikes.

The WNBA also faces a test of its values: whether to stand by a tradition of player empowerment or recalibrate in the face of backlash.

Conclusion

The immediate disqualification of two WNBA players for kneeling during the flag ceremony is more than a disciplinary episode—it is a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over the role of sports in society, the meaning of patriotism, and the right to peaceful protest. As the league, its athletes, and the public grapple with these questions, the incident is sure to leave a long-lasting mark on women’s professional basketball and the wider world of sports.