Full Breakdown
JD Vance slams WNBA anthem walkouts as “disgraceful”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized WNBA players who left the court during the national anthem in the first two games of the league’s finals. Speaking on the “Arroyo Grande” program on Wednesday, Vance called the actions “disgraceful” and argued that athletes should show greater gratitude for the United States.
Background & Context
The WNBA rulebook requires players to stand and line up while the anthem is performed. Players from the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries departed the court during the anthem before Games 1 and 2 of the finals, prompting the vice president’s remarks. The protests are part of a broader pattern of athletes using pre-game moments to voice dissent on public policy issues.
Official Statements & Responses
Vance said the protests were disrespectful to the country and suggested that the athletes’ “spirit of gratitude” would make them “happier people.” Fox News Digital contacted the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association for comment; neither organization responded before publication.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've gotten some trouble talking about this, but I'll just talk about it again,” — Vance, vice president — JD Vance, vice president