Entire WNBA Team Kneels During National Anthem Before Playoff Game

The entire Indiana Fever team took a knee during the national anthem before a WNBA playoff game on Wednesday night.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Ever since Colin Kaepernick started to take a knee during the national anthem prior to a 49ers preseason game in August, there have been a lot of other athletes, both inside and outside of the NFL, who have made the decision to do the same thing. But prior to a WNBA playoff game against the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night, the Indiana Fever took their silent protest to the next level when their entire team decided to kneel down during The Star-Spangled Banner. The players locked arms as the anthem played, and Mercury players Mistie Bass and Kelsey Bone also joined them in kneeling. The coaching staffs for both teams chose not to take a knee.

After the game, which Phoenix won 89-78 to knock Indiana out of the postseason, Fever player Marissa Coleman explained why the team decided to take a knee as a unit. "It was unanimous that we were going to do it together," she said. "We have a platform, and I think it’s a disservice if we don’t use it. This was bigger than basketball. As important as this game was, there are other things going on in this world. It’s just to get conversations started."

Coleman also said that Fever coach Stephanie White told the team she was proud of them in a huddle before the game. "The first thing she said to us in the huddle before the game started was how proud she was of us for doing it," Coleman said. "I’m proud to be part of this organization."

Bass also spoke and said that she hopes people don’t see her decision to kneel as her being disrespectful to police officers or the military.

"I have the utmost respect for the amazing police officers who keep the integrity of their job and are upholding what they swore to do, which is protect and serve," she said. "As well as all the people overseas who serve and protect us. However, the bad apples are making it a bad situation for all those who are good."

You can hear additional reactions from players, including Tamika Catchings who played the final game of her WNBA career on Wednesday night, in the clip above.

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