Two WNBA Players Disqualified From Court For Violating Award’s New ‘No Kneeling During Flag Salute’ Rule

WNBA referees recently disqualified two players for kneeling during the national anthem, violating the league’s new “No Anthem Kneeling” rule.

This controversial policy, designed to maintain respect and unity during the anthem, has sparked debate. Supporters argue it promotes respect, while critics see it as limiting players’ right to protest social justice issues.

The disqualification has highlighted the ongoing tension between personal expression and league regulations, leaving questions about how the WNBA will handle future incidents and potential disciplinary actions.

In a move that has sparked fierce debate across the sports world, two prominent WNBA players were disqualified from the court during a high-profile game this week after violating a newly imposed rule by the Player of the Year Award committee. The rule, which bans kneeling during the national anthem or flag salute, has drawn intense reactions from fans, athletes, and advocacy groups alike.

The two athletes, Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun and Alyssa Thomas of the Washington Mystics, both chose to kneel during the anthem before the game in protest of social justice issues. Their protest, however, directly contradicted the recently announced policy which has quickly become the talk of the WNBA community.

The Controversial Rule

The new “No Kneeling During Flag Salute” rule was instituted by the Player of the Year Award (POTYA) committee, aiming to preserve the tradition of standing during the anthem and flag salute in all games, including the WNBA’s high-profile matchups. The committee claims the rule is about “respect for national symbols and unity,” but many argue it is an attempt to silence athletes’ right to protest social issues, particularly racial inequality and police violence.

Jasmine Thomas, a veteran point guard with years of leadership experience on the court, expressed her disappointment with the policy. In an emotional interview after the disqualification, Thomas stated, “We kneel to raise awareness about issues that matter, especially to our communities. We want to create change. This rule silences athletes, and I won’t back down.”

Alyssa Thomas, who also kneeled in solidarity with social justice movements, added, “This is bigger than basketball. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even if it costs us. It’s heartbreaking that we are forced to choose between expressing our beliefs and playing the game we love.”

The decision to disqualify both players was handed down swiftly by the POTYA committee, who cited the players’ refusal to comply with the rule as a violation of league conduct. Both athletes were informed mid-game and escorted off the court, leaving their teammates stunned and disappointed.

Public Backlash and Support

The decision has sparked an outcry from various corners of the sports world. Fans of both players have flooded social media with messages of support, expressing anger over what they see as a violation of freedom of expression.

One fan tweeted, “This is the exact reason why athletes need to protest. The system is trying to silence them when they speak out. We stand with Jasmine and Alyssa.”

Others, including former WNBA players and social justice advocates, have also voiced their displeasure. Tina Thompson, a Hall of Famer and outspoken supporter of athlete activism, wrote on Instagram, “Athletes have always been at the forefront of change. Kneeling was never about disrespect, it was about demanding a better future. We must stand behind those who continue this fight.”

On the other hand, some supporters of the policy argue that it’s essential to “respect national traditions” and that the anthem should remain a moment of unity. Megan Rapinoe, a former WNBA player turned advocate for social change, also shared her thoughts, saying, “While I stand with athletes fighting for justice, I also believe that respecting the flag is a vital part of our country’s unity. This is a tricky conversation that needs more dialogue.”

WNBA Commissioner Weighs In

In the wake of the disqualifications, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement saying, “While we respect the right of our athletes to express themselves, we must also adhere to the guidelines established for our games. The new policy was instituted to maintain decorum during the anthem, but we will continue to work with our players to ensure their voices are heard in a way that respects the integrity of the game and the league.”

However, many are questioning whether the league’s stance is too restrictive and could discourage future activism from players who feel compelled to take a stand on issues they care about.

What’s Next for Jasmine and Alyssa?

Both Jasmine Thomas and Alyssa Thomas have yet to announce their next steps following the disqualification. They have both been vocal about their commitment to social justice and have stated they will continue to fight for equality and racial justice. It remains to be seen whether they will accept the rule or take further action to challenge it.

Jasmine Thomas concluded her interview with a powerful message: “We will not be silenced. This moment may have cost us the game, but it won’t stop the movement. We will keep fighting until change happens.”

The disqualification of these two athletes has ignited a larger conversation about the role of athletes in social change and the balance between personal expression and tradition in professional sports.

As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the battle for athletes’ right to protest will not be settled easily.