The Storm Brewing in American Sports: Lin Dunn Calls for Brittney Griner’s Removal from U.S. Olympic Roster After National Anthem Protest—Is This the End of Griner’s Olympic Dream?

A firestorm is raging in the world of women’s basketball, and it’s threatening to tear at the very fabric of Team USA. At the heart of the controversy is Brittney Griner, one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, who has found herself at the center of a national debate over patriotism, protest, and representation. And in an unexpected twist that has shocked fans, pundits, and athletes alike, Lin Dunn—longtime General Manager of the Indiana Fever and respected voice in women’s basketball—has publicly called for Griner’s immediate removal from the U.S. Olympic roster. Why? Because Griner chose to sit during the national anthem.

A Controversial Moment: A Sit, A Symbol, A Statement

The moment in question occurred last Friday before a regular-season matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever. As the national anthem played, every Fever player stood—except for Griner, who remained seated, head bowed, her expression unreadable. This wasn’t the first time Griner had protested during the anthem, but this time, it felt different. This time, her action occurred in a packed arena with first-time fans waving miniature American flags. This time, it came at a game featuring Caitlin Clark, the league’s rising star whose rise has been closely tied to themes of patriotism and humility.

For many, Griner’s decision to remain seated didn’t just feel like a protest against a song—it felt like a challenge to the shifting cultural landscape of women’s sports. And the backlash was immediate.

Lin Dunn’s Statement: A Line in the Sand

Less than 24 hours after the game, Lin Dunn—who has spent her entire career advocating for women’s basketball—issued a statement that stunned the sports world. Speaking to local Indiana media, Dunn didn’t mince words: “You disrespect the anthem, you don’t deserve to wear the uniform.”

Her words didn’t just resonate within the WNBA; they set off a firestorm across social media and the wider sports community. Dunn, a Hall of Fame coach and respected figure in women’s basketball, went on to explain her stance more fully:

“I’ve spent my life building this league, standing beside these women, and defending their rights. But rights come with responsibilities. You kneel on your own time. When you wear that jersey—when the flag goes up—you’re not speaking for yourself. You’re speaking for every American.”

The reaction was immediate, with #ExpelGriner trending within minutes of Dunn’s statement.

Social Media Detonation: Support vs. Backlash

The response to Dunn’s remarks was a lightning rod for controversy. Conservatives, veterans, and many from Middle America rallied behind Dunn, applauding her for calling out Griner’s actions. Many felt that Griner’s protest was unpatriotic and an insult to the men and women who had sacrificed for the flag she represented.

On the other side, liberal commentators and activists denounced Dunn’s statement as “xenophobic,” “outdated,” and “tone-deaf.” In particular, they argued that Griner, who has long been a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights, was simply exercising her right to protest—something that has been an integral part of American history.

The divide was deep, personal, and increasingly hostile. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), passionate debates erupted, with some calling Dunn’s comments “fascism with a flag,” while others declared, “Lin Dunn just said what every Olympic fan is thinking.”

Brittney Griner Responds: “I Know Who I Am”

As the outrage boiled over, Brittney Griner, undeterred and resolute, responded to the firestorm through her agent. She didn’t directly address Dunn, but her message was clear: she would not back down.

“I’ve always stood—or sat—for what I believe in. I love my country. I’ve risked my life for it, just not in the ways people want to package it. I’ll continue representing my country with pride—even if my pride looks different than yours.”

Griner’s statement was characteristic of the player known for her poise, strength, and unapologetic nature. She maintained her commitment to her beliefs, despite the overwhelming public criticism.

The Olympic Dilemma: Who Represents America?

With the Paris Olympics just weeks away, Team USA Basketball finds itself in the midst of a dilemma that no one could have predicted. Griner, once seen as the face of the future for women’s basketball, is now facing a potential backlash that could see her removed from the U.S. Olympic roster.

The pressure on USA Basketball officials is mounting. While Griner remains one of the best centers in the world, sources indicate that some officials are weighing alternative options should the public backlash continue to grow.

“We’re watching this unfold like everyone else,” one Olympic committee member told Fox Sports. “But you can’t ignore public trust—not when it comes to wearing the red, white, and blue.”

Players like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston have been mentioned as potential replacements, should Griner’s spot be in jeopardy.

Caitlin Clark’s Silent Stance: The Middle Ground?

At the center of this storm stands Caitlin Clark, who has become one of the most important and marketable figures in women’s basketball. Yet, despite the attention she’s garnered, Clark has remained cautiously silent on the issue. While she did comment on her personal choice to stand during the anthem, saying, “It feels right for me,” she has made it clear that she respects others’ choices to protest peacefully.

For some, Clark’s neutrality has made her the symbolic figure of what they believe women’s basketball should stand for: discipline, humility, and respect for tradition. For others, her refusal to speak out has made her complicit in what they view as an aggressive political push within the WNBA.

It’s an impossible tightrope to walk—and it’s a position Clark has been forced to navigate daily, all while knowing her silence makes her a figurehead for both sides.

Protest vs. Patriotism: A Historic Crossroads

Griner’s protest isn’t the first time the Olympics and national pride have collided with activism. From Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s iconic raised fists in 1968 to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf’s 1996 protest during NBA games, athletes have long used their platforms to speak out on social issues. Yet, Griner’s protest carries a new weight—because she’s protesting while under contract to represent the United States on the world stage.

Her protest is not just a moment of resistance—it’s a message that comes at a time when every moment is dissected and debated by millions. And it’s forcing America to question: What does it mean to represent the U.S. in the modern era?

With the Paris Olympics just around the corner, the world will be watching. Will Griner be a part of Team USA, or will this controversy define her legacy? The answer to this question could reshape the future of the WNBA and Olympic sports, and perhaps, define what it means to be an American athlete in 2025.

Stay tuned as this political storm continues to rage—what happens next will define not only the future of Brittney Griner but also the future of sports activism.