The Indiana Fever's visit to Brooklyn on Saturday night turned into a showcase of patriotism — and a social media firestorm — all because of one player's simple gesture.
As the U.S. national anthem echoed through the arena, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stood out from her teammates and opponents alike. While the New York Liberty reportedly stayed off the court for the anthem, the Fever were present, and Cunningham was the only player on the floor with her hand placed firmly over her heart from start to finish.
The moment didn't go unnoticed. Fans quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to comment on Cunningham's display, with one user writing, "Sophie Cunningham is once again the only player on the court to put her hand above her heart for the singing of the US national anthem."
Reactions were mixed. Some praised the former University of Missouri standout for her visible respect, with one fan calling her "a breath of fresh air among all the other players." Others, however, pointed out a nuance: the hand-over-heart gesture is traditionally reserved for the Pledge of Allegiance, not the national anthem, where standing at attention is the standard protocol.
"It's not a sign of disrespect – examples of that would be not taking your hat off, not standing, or kneeling," one fan clarified. Another added, "You place your hand over your heart for the pledge of allegiance. You stand at attention for the national anthem. Stop baiting for engagement. Be better."
Despite the debate, Cunningham's gesture has become a talking point, especially given her history of anthem-related attention. Earlier this year, she won over a Toronto crowd with grace after receiving boos, and her actions have consistently sparked conversation about patriotism and player conduct.
The incident also echoes broader discussions about national anthem protocols across sports, much like the recent NFL's international expansion talks that have fans debating tradition and change. And while some see Cunningham's gesture as a silent statement, others view it simply as a personal choice.
For now, the Fever guard's anthem stance has cemented her as a polarizing figure — one who isn't afraid to stand out, literally and figuratively, on the league's biggest stages.
