Vice President JD Vance condemned WNBA players who skipped the national anthem during the league finals, describing the actions as "disgraceful" and urging athletes to show more gratitude for their opportunities in the United States. The comments came during an interview Wednesday with host Raymond Arroyo on the show "Arroyo Grande."
Players from both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem before the first two games of the WNBA Finals. This occurred despite a rule in the league’s own rulebook that specifically calls for players to stand and line up during the performance.
"I think it's disgraceful," Vance told Arroyo. He argued that criticizing specific political policies should not involve disrespecting the nation as a whole. Vance stated that WNBA players should consider their public safety, wealth, privilege, and the quality of their jobs. He maintained that if these women had a greater spirit of gratitude toward the United States, they would be happier and would offend fewer people.
Vance also referenced Saint Augustine’s concept of Ordo Amoris, a principle from Catholic thought regarding the order of love and duty. He noted that he cited this idea in 2025 to defend administration deportation policies. According to Vance, Catholic understanding involves various orders of duty, with the closest and most immediate duty owed to family and one's immediate circle. However, he added that individuals also owe duties to the entire world and to strangers. Vance maintained that a coherent understanding of the Christian self includes being part of a national community.
"Whether you were born in the United States or whether you came here by choice, this is your country," Vance said. He argued that people are meant to love their country and try to make it the best version of itself, asserting that without this love, one becomes a disordered human being. Vance acknowledged receiving criticism for these views but said he would continue to discuss them.
Fox News Digital spoke with veteran GOP strategist Mary Marslender, who aligned with Vance’s perspective. Marslender argued that WNBA players lack perspective on the benefits of living in the United States. She stated that American women enjoy rights and opportunities that are rare or nonexistent for most women elsewhere. Marslender claimed that players can publicly dissent without fear of state reprisal solely because of these rights, adding that those who dislike the country are free to leave it.
Fox News Digital reached out to the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association but did not receive an immediate reply. OutKick's Dan Zaksheske contributed to this report.