{"id":2674921,"date":"2026-10-02T18:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T22:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/despicable-wnba-team-under-fire-for-appearing-to-intentionally-dodge-national-anthem\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T18:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T22:15:52","slug":"despicable-wnba-team-under-fire-for-appearing-to-intentionally-dodge-national-anthem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/despicable-wnba-team-under-fire-for-appearing-to-intentionally-dodge-national-anthem\/","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Despicable&#8217;: WNBA Team Under Fire for Appearing to Intentionally Dodge National Anthem"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fdespicable-wnba-team-under-fire-for-appearing-to-intentionally-dodge-national-anthem%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2674921&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>A viral social media clip shows members of the Las Vegas Aces WNBA team rushing off the court just before the national anthem is played, leading to accusations that they were avoiding standing for it. Although the team has not officially protested, their actions have been widely condemned as disrespectful by many users. In contrast, the Indiana Fever players remained on the court and showed respect for the anthem, with some even wearing patriotic attire. WNBA rules specify that players are expected to stand during the national anthem, but the athletes&#8217; actions sparked debate about patriotism, protest, and the appropriate way to express dissent, with opinions divided between viewing such protests as principled or self-serving.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><br \/>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\"><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (REP_0)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (REP_1)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Consider it par for the course for the pathologically woke WNBA.<\/p>\n<p>In a viral clip posted Thursday to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-new-acting-attorney-general-jeff-rosen-recently-wrote-an-essay-on-foreign-influence-in-us-elections-this-tells-us-a-little-about-his-knowledge-of-whats-going-on-today\/\" title=\"The New Acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen Recently Wrote an Essay on Foreign Influence in US Elections \u2013 This Tells Us A Little About His Knowledge of What\u2019s Going On Today\">social media platform<\/a> X, members of the WNBA\u2019s Las Vegas Aces ran off the court only seconds before the performance of \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner,\u201d thereby leaving the distinct impression \u2014 at least among disgusted users on the social media platform X \u2014 that those players removed themselves from the court so as to avoid standing for America\u2019s national anthem.<\/p>\n<p>One X user, in fact, called the display \u201cdespicable.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In fairness to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/caitlin-clark-battered-bloodied-season-ending-loss-cant-get-whistle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Aces<\/a>, no one associated with the team has announced any kind of protest, formal or otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, however, no one has identified any sudden emergency that prompted those players\u2019 mass exodus.<\/p>\n<p>In the clip, for instance, one clearly sees at least three and perhaps as many as seven Aces\u2019 players leaving the court after pregame warm-ups.<\/p>\n<p>Seconds later, the arena\u2019s lights dimmed, and the public-address announcer introduced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/watch-buffalo-bills-christen-new-2-billion-stadium-horrible-anthem-choice-stunning-viewers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">national anthem<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The Las Vegas Aces sprint off the court before Game 3 vs Fever because they don\u2019t want to honor our country &#038; participate in the National Anthem\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/c5dhpGkwvz\">pic.twitter.com\/c5dhpGkwvz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JonnyRoot_\/status\/2105824367494279399?\">October 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>X users denounced the move as \u201cdespicable\u201d and \u201cpathetic.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-conversation=\"none\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"es\">Despicable.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Buck Leahy (@BuckLeahy) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BuckLeahy\/status\/2105826061670125778?\">October 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-conversation=\"none\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Pathetic!<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Commonsenseprevails (@Commonsensepre2) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Commonsensepre2\/status\/2105826237637619717?\">October 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, conservative author Tom Young ontrasted the behavior of the Aces and their leader, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/watch-wnba-mvp-loses-cool-getting-crushed-caitlin-clark-goes-stands-confront-fan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A\u2019ja Wilson<\/a>, with that of their opponents, the Indiana Fever, including common-sense conservative darling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/sophie-cunningham-sends-message-trans-mob-critics-telling-kick-rocks-pre-game-sweatshirt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sophie Cunningham<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen you thought that A\u2019ja Wilson and her Aces couldn\u2019t be bigger pieces of crap! In comparison the Fever stood for the Anthem,\u201d Young wrote.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot only did Sophie Cunningham put her hand over her heart during the Anthem, but the shirt she wore when arriving in Vegas yesterday said \u2018USA\u2019! It\u2019s no wonder why the WNBA hates the Fever!\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">When you thought that A\u2019ja Wilson and her Aces couldn\u2019t be bigger pieces of crap!<\/p>\n<p>In comparison the Fever stood for the Anthem.<\/p>\n<p>Not only did Sophie Cunningham put her hand over her heart during the Anthem, but the shirt she wore when arriving in Vegas yesterday said \u201cUSA\u201d!\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/WszQWsuGuC\">https:\/\/t.co\/WszQWsuGuC<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tom Young (@brui4ns1) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/brui4ns1\/status\/2105828097236865126?\">October 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>What makes the question more interesting is that a team\u2019s presence on court for the national anthem appears to be required by <a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.wnba.com\/sites\/4\/2025\/04\/2025-WNBA-Official-Rule-Book.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WNBA rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlayers, 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,\u201d the rulebook states under the section governing player\/team conduct.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">The Fever are on the court for the anthem\u2026.. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/kIWToilg6o\">pic.twitter.com\/kIWToilg6o<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tony Cordasco (@TonyDasco) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TonyDasco\/status\/2105823455824556393?\">October 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>  On the very narrow question of playing the national anthem before sporting events, the libertarian in my nature sympathizes with those who, if they do not feel patriotic in the moment, choose not to pretend otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>After all, we do not observe ceremonial patriotism in other venues where adults spend their entertainment dollars.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, since we do play the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/watch-nfl-sparks-controversy-mariachi-band-plays-natl-anthem-monday-night-football\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">national anthem<\/a> before sporting events, the conservative in my nature sympathizes with those who, from genuine love of country and community, refuse to pervert that moment of civic unity by making it about themselves. And that is exactly what those anthem-sullying or anthem-evading athletes do.<\/p>\n<p>No doubt they think themselves principled and courageous when in fact they are spoiled. Protesting the national anthem improves no one\u2019s lives. It merely exposes the athletes as hypocrites, for they continue to work and receive compensation under the laws of a country whose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/bears-qb-caleb-williams-accused-disrespecting-flag-national-anthem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">symbol<\/a> \u2014 the last thing many of its best young men saw before perishing on battlefields \u2014 they openly despise.<\/p>\n<p>In the future, if those athletes wish to protest, make it meaningful. Sacrifice something of value, like a paycheck. Or, boycott a game if you feel that strongly about it. Skipping the national anthem does not cost you anything besides critical comments and articles like this one. Thus, it is purely self-serving.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, it is exactly what we have come to expect from a league filled with whiny, self-righteous brats.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #171717; display: flex;font-size: 16px;font-weight: 600;line-height: 1.5;margin: 24px 0;padding: 18px 20px 18px 30px;text-align: left;\">\n<div style=\"align-self: stretch;border-left: 3px solid #171717;flex-shrink: 0;padding-left: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/\">Choose The Western Journal as your preferred source on Google and never miss reporting that defends truth, protects freedom, and advances Western civilization<\/a><\/div>\n<p style=\"border: 1px solid #f5f5f5; padding: 16px;\">Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/advertise-us\/?wj_source=article\">Advertise Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* Name<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* <\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<label>* Message<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t<textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\"> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> \t\t<script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey == typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts = { \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs = [ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i = 0; i < inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! 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