FACT CHECK: No, The WNBA Did Not Eject Players For Kneeling During National Anthem

September 30th, 2024

A post shared on Threads claims the WNBA ejected two players for kneeling during the National Anthem.

 

Post by @sophiewhite2777
View on Threads

 

Verdict: False
The WNBA has not issued any statements regarding this claim. No reputable sources have reported on this claim.

Fact Check:

A post shared on Threads claims that the WNBA chose to eject two players for choosing to kneel during the National Anthem. The caption reads, “Breaking: WNBA Referees Eject Two Players Under League’s New ‘NO Kneeling During Anthem’ Rule.”

The claim is false. No reputable sources have reported on this claim. The WNBA has not issued any statements regarding the alleged ejected players or new rule. (RELATED: Did Andy Reid Suspend Players For Kneeling During Anthem?)

The WNBA rulebook states, “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.” The rulebook does not discuss consequences for players that choose to kneel.

The NFL started the ‘take a knee’ movement in 2016 as part of an effort to combat racial inequality and police brutality. The movement calls for participants to kneel instead of stand during the playing of the national anthem.

In 2016, multiple WNBA players chose to take a knee during the National Anthem. No credible sources have reported that these players were ejected from the 2016 game. In 2017, the WNBA extended its suspension of a former National Anthem protocol.

Reuters has also debunked this claim. Check Your Fact has reached out to the WNBA for comment.

Alexia Bianchi

Contributor