The Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream have been drawing attention for walking off the court ahead of the national anthem playing during the first three games of this year’s WNBA Finals.
The Dream have a 2-1 lead in the series ahead of Game 4, with Angel Reese’s starring displays potentially set to see her be this year’s Finals MVP.
But while the basketball has been enthralling, a lot of attention has been put on the players not staying on the court for the national anthem.
Dream and Valkyries players have received backlash for their actions, but Gabby Williams has insisted it’s not a protest.
Gabby Williams says Golden State Valkyries walking out of national anthem is not a protest
In a recent interview, Williams was asked: “Gabby you said protesting is good. Your team isn’t on the court for the national anthem, is that a protest?”
She responded: “No,” before being asked: “So why is the team not on the court during the US national anthem before these games.”
The Valkyries star responded: “[That’s been] part of our routine for like seven years now.”
Game 4 of the Finals kicks off on Saturday at the State Farm Arena. It remains to be seen if the players will stay on the court for the national anthem after not doing so for the opening three.
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