The WNBA Finals have been a spectacle on the court, but off it, a controversy is brewing that has college basketball legend Bruce Pearl fired up. The Auburn coach took to social media to blast players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries for their decision to skip the national anthem before Game 1, calling them 'ungrateful' and questioning their patriotism.
According to reports from OutKick, both teams left the floor just as the anthem began and only returned after it concluded. Dan Zaksheske of OutKick detailed the scene, noting that the players were absent for the entire two-minute rendition, only to reappear once it was over. 'Guess that’s just part of the pregame routine though,' he quipped.
The WNBA's own rulebook appears to contradict this behavior. In Section H of the league's basic principles, it explicitly states that 'players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem.' Yet, the Dream and Valkyries chose to ignore this mandate, and the league has remained silent when pressed for comment.
Pearl, known for his passionate and sometimes polarizing takes, did not hold back. He emphasized the importance of honoring the flag, especially in a country that provides so many freedoms. 'We teach our campers how to honor the flag before we start summer basketball camp,' he wrote on X. 'We bring in military heroes to talk to our players about what the flag means to them and how they are willing to fight for our freedoms. These players should be grateful to this country and show it.'
This isn't the first time the anthem has sparked debate in sports, but Pearl's comments add a fiery layer to an already tense Finals series. The WNBA has not responded to inquiries about whether any disciplinary action will be taken, and both teams have declined to comment, leaving fans and analysts to speculate.
The controversy mirrors a broader conversation about the league's silent stance on anthem protests, which has drawn criticism from various corners. While some players have historically used the anthem as a platform for social justice, the coordinated walkout by both Finals teams suggests a deliberate statement that has yet to be explained.
As the series heads into Game 3 tied at 1-1, the focus remains on basketball, but Pearl's outburst ensures the anthem issue won't fade quietly. He has long been a vocal advocate for military appreciation, and his frustration with the WNBA's actions is palpable. 'These players should be grateful to this country and show it,' he reiterated, a sentiment that resonates with many fans who view the anthem as a sacred tradition.
Whether the WNBA will enforce its own rules remains to be seen, but Pearl's call-out has put the league on notice. The Dream and Valkyries, for their part, have yet to address the criticism, leaving the door open for further backlash. For now, the basketball world watches to see if this off-court drama will spill onto the court in the pivotal Game 3.
