A new controversy has erupted in the world of women’s basketball after Lin Dunn, a respected figure in the sport, called for Brittney Griner’s removal from the U.S. Olympic team.
Dunn’s reasoning? Griner’s past actions of kneeling during the national anthem—a move Dunn says makes the star center unfit to represent the country on an international stage.
Lin Dunn, a veteran basketball coach and executive known for her no-nonsense approach to the game, did not hold back in her comments regarding Griner’s selection for the 2024 Olympic team.
She publicly voiced her belief that any athlete unwilling to stand for the national anthem should not be given the honor of competing for Team USA.
“If you refuse to show respect for the anthem, then you shouldn’t be wearing that jersey,” Dunn reportedly said. “Representing America is a privilege, not a right. We need players who take pride in this country, not those who use the moment to make a political statement.”
Dunn’s remarks have reignited a long-standing debate about athletes, activism, and patriotism in American sports.
Brittney Griner, a dominant force in women’s basketball, has been vocal about her stance on social justice issues, including police brutality and racial inequality.
In 2020, she famously chose not to be present on the court for the national anthem during WNBA games, saying, “I honestly feel like we should not play the national anthem during our season.”
Her actions sparked intense discussions, with some praising her for using her platform to highlight racial injustice, while others criticized her for what they saw as disrespecting the country.
The backlash intensified when Griner was detained in Russia in 2022 and later released through a high-profile prisoner exchange, with many questioning her relationship with the nation she had protested against.
Now, with her selection for the 2024 Olympic team, the debate over whether she should represent the U.S. has resurfaced—this time, led by Lin Dunn’s pointed criticism.
Dunn’s comments have divided the basketball community, with some supporting her call for accountability and others condemning it as an attack on free speech.
Many patriotic sports fans and former athletes sided with Dunn, arguing that representing the U.S. on an Olympic stage comes with a duty to honor the country’s traditions, including standing for the anthem.
One social media user wrote, “Lin Dunn is right. If you don’t respect the anthem, you don’t deserve to wear the USA uniform. It’s that simple.”
Others, however, saw Dunn’s comments as an attempt to silence athletes’ right to protest. Griner’s supporters argue that her stance was never about disrespecting the military or the country but rather about drawing attention to systemic issues that need addressing.
One WNBA player, speaking anonymously, said, “Athletes have the right to express themselves. You can love your country and still want it to be better. Brittney has every right to be on that team.”
Dunn’s remarks have reignited the broader conversation about whether political statements belong in sports, particularly on an international stage like the Olympics.
While the games have always been a source of national pride, they have also historically been a stage for political statements—think Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in 1968, or the U.S. boycotting the 1980 Olympics over Soviet aggression.
In today’s climate, athletes are increasingly using their platforms to push for change, and the question remains: Should representing one’s country be purely about athletic ability, or does it come with an expectation of national loyalty and unity?
Dunn’s critics argue that silencing players for their beliefs is a slippery slope, while her supporters believe that when you wear “USA” across your chest, there should be no room for controversy.
As of now, Brittney Griner has not directly responded to Dunn’s comments. However, sources close to her say she remains focused on preparing for the Olympics and is not interested in engaging in political debates at this time.
Meanwhile, USA Basketball has stood by its decision to include Griner on the team, emphasizing that selections are based on talent, performance, and team chemistry—not political opinions.
“We select the best players to represent our country on the world stage,” a spokesperson for Team USA said. “Brittney Griner is one of the best, and we believe she will help us bring home the gold.”
While the Olympic Games are still months away, the controversy surrounding Griner’s participation is unlikely to fade anytime soon. With Dunn’s comments adding fuel to the fire, the debate over patriotism, protest, and representation in sports is sure to intensify as Team USA prepares for the competition.
One thing is clear: The conversation about what it means to represent America on the international stage is far from over. Whether Griner takes the court in Paris with the full support of the country or amidst continued controversy remains to be seen.
