Lin Dunn Calls for Brittney Griner to Be Expelled from U.S. Olympic Team – “You Disrespect the American Anthem, You Don’t Deserve to Represent This Country”

Lin Dunn Demands Brittney Griner’s Removal from U.S. Olympic Team: “You Disrespect the American Anthem, You Don’t Deserve to Represent This Country”

A firestorm has erupted in the world of women’s basketball after Indiana Fever director Lin Dunn publicly called for Brittney Griner’s removal from the U.S. Olympic team. Dunn’s stance? If you refuse to stand for the national anthem, you have no business representing the country on the world’s biggest stage.

This bold declaration has sent shockwaves through the basketball community, reigniting a heated debate about the role of athletes in social activism, patriotism, and the responsibilities that come with wearing the red, white, and blue. With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Griner’s potential place on Team USA has become one of the most controversial topics in sports.

Dunn’s Statement Sends a Clear Message

Lin Dunn, a respected veteran in women’s basketball, didn’t mince words when she made her stance clear:

“If you disrespect the anthem, you don’t deserve to represent this country. Period.”

Dunn’s comments came in response to Brittney Griner’s past protests during the national anthem. The Phoenix Mercury star has been outspoken about social justice issues, using her platform to bring attention to racial inequality, police brutality, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has previously refused to stand for the national anthem, stating that she believes it does not reflect the values of equality and justice for all Americans.

However, for Dunn and many others, the U.S. Olympic team is not the place for political protests. She argues that when athletes wear the USA jersey, they represent more than just themselves—they embody an entire nation, its values, and its people. To Dunn, standing for the anthem is not optional—it is a sign of respect, gratitude, and unity.

The Debate: Personal Freedom vs. National Responsibility

Griner’s actions have always been divisive. Supporters praise her for using her platform to bring awareness to important social issues, while critics see her protests as disrespectful to the country and those who serve it.

The controversy reached a boiling point when Griner was detained in Russia in 2022 over drug charges. After spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison, she was released as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange brokered by the U.S. government. Her return to the United States was met with mixed reactions—some celebrated her freedom, while others questioned why the government prioritized her over other Americans still detained abroad.

Since returning, Griner has modified her stance on the anthem. In her first game back in the WNBA, she stood for the national anthem, later explaining that her time in Russia gave her a new appreciation for the freedoms of the United States. But for critics like Dunn, that isn’t enough to erase years of perceived disrespect.

Should Griner Be Expelled from Team USA?

Dunn’s comments have raised an important question: Should personal beliefs and protests impact an athlete’s ability to compete for their country?

Some argue that the Olympics are about representing the nation as a whole, and if an athlete cannot show respect for the national anthem, they shouldn’t have the honor of competing under the American flag. Dunn and her supporters believe that being selected for Team USA should come with the expectation of national pride and unity.

On the other hand, Griner’s defenders argue that freedom of expression is a fundamental right of all Americans. They point out that the United States was founded on the principles of free speech and the right to protest. Athletes, they say, should not be punished for speaking out on issues they believe in.

Reactions from the Basketball Community

Dunn’s statement has ignited strong reactions from both sides.

Supporters of Dunn argue that representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage is an honor, not a right, and that any athlete unwilling to respect the anthem should not be given the privilege.
Griner’s supporters claim that Dunn is pushing a dangerous precedent—one that could silence athletes and punish them for political beliefs.

Other WNBA players and sports analysts have weighed in as well. Some agree with Dunn, while others have called her remarks outdated and divisive.

Even former Olympic athletes have joined the conversation, with some saying that personal politics should be left off the court, while others defend Griner’s right to protest in the manner she chooses.

Will Team USA Respond?

At this time, USA Basketball has not issued an official response to Dunn’s comments or Griner’s potential exclusion from the Olympic roster. But if the controversy continues to grow, they may be forced to make a statement.

If Griner is ultimately removed from the team, it could set a precedent for how political activism is handled in sports moving forward. However, if she remains, it may signal that athletes are free to express their beliefs, even when representing their country.

What Happens Next?

This situation is far from over. With the Paris Olympics approaching, the debate over what it truly means to represent the United States is sure to intensify.

Lin Dunn’s words have sparked a conversation that extends beyond basketball—one about patriotism, protest, and the balance between personal beliefs and national duty.

Should Brittney Griner be removed from Team USA for her past actions? Or should her talent and contribution to the game be the only factors that matter?

Let us know where you stand on this debate. One thing is for sure—this conversation is far from over, and the world will be watching as it unfolds.