DINH DOONG

In a highly charged incident, multiple WNBA stars were ejected from a game after they knelt during the national anthem, defying a recently introduced “no kneeling” policy. The league’s controversial rule, aimed at enforcing a traditional stance during the flag salute, immediately sparked outrage, with fans, players, and activists taking to social media to voice their support for the athletes and criticize the WNBA’s decision.

The ejection unfolded after players, in a show of solidarity and protest, knelt during the anthem, resulting in swift enforcement of the new rule by officials. The decision has fueled widespread backlash, with some fans accusing the league of curbing players’ freedom of expression, while others argue that the rule reinforces respect for the flag and anthem.

Players and supporters argue that the rule disregards personal beliefs and the importance of raising awareness on social justice issues. “We kneel to highlight the need for equality and to call attention to ongoing social justice issues,” one player remarked following the game. “Taking that right away from us is not only unjust but counterproductive to the conversations we’ve worked so hard to bring to the forefront.”

On social media, #NoKneelingRule began trending, with thousands voicing support for the players and calling for the WNBA to reconsider its stance. Some advocates see the ejection as an attempt to silence voices within the league, while supporters of the rule argue that it maintains a unified display of respect.

The WNBA has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the incident, leaving fans and players eagerly awaiting the league’s official response. This pivotal moment is expected to ignite further debate on athlete activism, the role of sports in social issues, and the balance between free expression and traditional symbols.