Some fans also remained seated during the performance, including spectators who kept their hats on.The foul line stands empty during the national anthem before Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries remained off the court for the fourth straight Finals anthem.
(San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)I attempted to observe what Atlanta’s players do after leaving the court, but arena staff told me my credential did not grant access to that area and escorted me back to my assigned media seat.WNBA PLAYERS, COACHES REFUSE TO EXPLAIN NATIONAL ANTHEM ABSENCES AMID MOUNTING CRITICISMAn employee inside State Farm Arena told OutKick that Dream players stand in a hallway after leaving the court before games.OutKick asked the Dream to confirm whether players remain there during the national anthem and explain what they do during the performance.
The team did not immediately respond.Players from both teams said Friday that staying off the court during the anthem has been their practice for years.In the first three games, both teams left shortly before the anthem and returned seconds after it ended.Games 1 and 2 were played at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct.
17 and 19.The series moved to Atlanta for Game 3 on Oct.
21.Atlanta entered Saturday with a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series after winning Wednesday’s Game 3, 97–71.The anthem absences have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who urged fans to stop watching the WNBA at an Oct.22 rally in Iowa.
Vice President JD Vance also called the absences "disgraceful."Atlanta coach Karl Smesko was asked Friday why his team left the floor for the anthem and whose decision that was."We’re just kind of focused on the Finals," Smesko said.Asked whether he had any further comment about the anthem and his team’s absences on the league’s biggest stage, Smesko said, "No."An Atlanta public relations representative then moved to the next question.Dream guard...