Simone Biles Proposes to US Sports Delegation: “Expel Brittney Griner, Cannot Let the Person ‘Kneeling to Represent the Country’”

In a stunning and controversial statement, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has proposed that the U.S. sports delegation expel WNBA star Brittney Griner from representing the country due to her past protests during the national anthem. Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, made her comments in a heated interview, voicing her disapproval of athletes who kneel during the anthem as a form of protest. Her remarks have sparked a fresh wave of debate surrounding the intersection of patriotism, protest, and athleticism, with critics and supporters alike weighing in on the matter.

The Catalyst: Athletes and Anthem Protests

The controversy surrounding kneeling during the national anthem in sports first came to prominence in 2016, when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling before games to protest racial injustice and police brutality. While Kaepernick’s protest was initially divisive, it eventually gained widespread support among athletes across various sports, including the WNBA. Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in the women’s basketball league, joined her fellow players in kneeling during the anthem in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Griner’s actions were seen by many as a powerful stand for racial justice, yet they also drew sharp criticism from those who viewed her protest as disrespectful to the American flag and the country’s military personnel. For some, kneeling during the anthem became a symbol of division, prompting calls for athletes to focus on their performances rather than political statements.

Biles’ Position: Patriotism Over Protest

Simone Biles, who has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has used her platform to speak out on important social issues, took a different stance when it came to athletes using their stage for political protests. In her recent remarks, Biles proposed that Griner should be removed from representing the United States in international competitions, suggesting that athletes who kneel during the national anthem cannot fully represent the country.

“I think we need to take a strong stand,” Biles said in her interview. “I cannot support someone who kneels during the anthem. It’s disrespectful to the country, to the veterans, to everyone who has fought for our freedoms. We cannot let someone who chooses to disrespect the flag continue to represent the United States on the global stage.”

Biles emphasized her belief that athletes, especially those who are representing their country, should prioritize patriotism over political statements. “The Olympics and international sports are about unity and honoring the country you’re representing. We can’t allow someone who doesn’t respect that to be part of the team,” she continued. “If we’re going to stand for something, it has to be for what’s right—for the country that’s giving us the opportunity to be athletes in the first place.”

A Divisive Stance

Biles’ comments have undoubtedly added fuel to the ongoing debate about the role of athletes in politics and activism. On one hand, her statement is rooted in a deep sense of patriotism and respect for the country. Biles, who has represented the United States on the world stage countless times, is proud of her accomplishments and is committed to honoring her country. For many of her supporters, her stance is understandable—athletes, they argue, should be mindful of the platform they have and use it to inspire, not divide.

On the other hand, critics of Biles’ proposal argue that her perspective overlooks the broader context of social justice movements and the importance of protest in sparking meaningful change. Kneeling during the anthem, they assert, is not an act of disrespect but a powerful demonstration against systemic injustice. Griner, like many athletes, chose to take a stand for what she believes in, and her decision to kneel is a reflection of her commitment to raising awareness about racial inequality and police violence in the U.S.

Supporters of Griner’s right to protest also point out that the country’s founders fought for the freedom of speech and expression, and that includes the right to protest peacefully. By silencing athletes who use their platform for activism, they argue, we risk stifling the very freedoms that make America a beacon of democracy.

Griner’s Role and Impact

Brittney Griner’s activism has made her an influential figure in the sports world, and her protest during the anthem is just one facet of her ongoing commitment to social change. After being detained in Russia for nearly ten months in 2022, Griner returned to the U.S. and became an even more prominent symbol of resilience and advocacy. Her experience highlighted the complexities of international diplomacy and the treatment of American citizens abroad, but it also reinforced her position as an outspoken advocate for justice.

For Griner, the protest was never about disrespecting the flag—it was about using her platform to demand change. She has spoken publicly about her desire for a more just and equitable society, and her actions have inspired other athletes to take similar stands. Whether or not one agrees with her methods, Griner’s impact on the conversation around race and inequality cannot be denied.

The Larger Conversation: Athletes and Politics

Biles’ remarks touch on a larger, ongoing conversation about the role of politics in sports. As athletes increasingly speak out on issues such as racial justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, there is growing tension between the desire for athletes to focus on their craft and the belief that they should use their influence to challenge societal norms.

This divide was evident during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when several athletes, including Griner, chose to kneel during the anthem in protest. The question of whether sports should be a platform for political expression or remain an apolitical arena is one that continues to divide fans, athletes, and even the athletes themselves.

Conclusion: A Complex Issue

Simone Biles’ proposal to expel Brittney Griner from the U.S. sports delegation highlights the complex intersection of patriotism, protest, and athleticism. While Biles’ perspective is rooted in a belief in respect for the nation, it overlooks the significance of protest as a means of challenging injustice. Griner’s actions, though controversial to some, represent the broader struggle for social change that athletes have long been a part of.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the role of athletes in shaping social and political discourse is more important than ever, and their actions will continue to spark debate for years to come. Whether or not Biles’ call for expulsion is heeded, the conversation about patriotism, protest, and the responsibility of athletes in modern society is far from over.