Dream and Valkyries Leave Court During Anthem at Game 3

Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players left the court during the national anthem before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, continuing a routine from the series’ first two games. Vice President JD Vance criticized the departures, calling them “disgraceful” and arguing that political disagreement should not be expressed through what he described as disrespect for the country. The players left the playing surface shortly before the anthem was performed at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday, October 21. They remained away during the performance. The departures continued after Vance’s public criticism, but neither team had publicly given a specific reason for its actions during the Finals. In an interview with Raymond Arroyo, Vance said the players had much to be grateful for in the United States and argued that criticism of a politician’s policy should not involve disrespecting the country. He also spoke about duties to family, strangers and the national community, describing love of country as important to civic life. The teams’ actions have prompted questions about the WNBA’s anthem rules. The league’s rulebook directs players, coaches and trainers to stand in a...