During game 1 of the WNBA Finals, the LA Sparks WNBA Nneka Ogwumike claimed to be inspired by the cowardly act of Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, when he chose to hide from the cameras rather than take a stand one way or the other on the national anthem, and stayed in the tunnel during the playing of the national anthem:
The LA Sparks will take the lead of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin today, Nneka Ogwumike said, and stay in the locker room during the anthem.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 24, 2017
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx team showed their disrespect for the national anthem by linking arms in protest while it was being played.
The LA Sparks team stayed in the locker room.
The scene at Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. The Lynx link arms during the anthem, the Sparks stay in the locker room. pic.twitter.com/jckFULAvux
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 24, 2017
In game 2 of the WNBA Finals, the LA Sparks decided to leave the floor and head to the locker room for the national anthem. They were booed as they left the floor.
Sparks booed as they leave the floor for the playing of the national anthem here in Minneapolis.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 27, 2017
The LA Sparks were booed again as they returned from the locker room:
Sparks booed as they retake the floor after the singing of the national anthem in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/upZTj4bDMb
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 27, 2017