BREAKING NEWS: Lin Dunn Demands Brittney Griner Be Removed From Team USA — “You Disrespect the Anthem, You Don’t Deserve to Represent This Country”
In a fiery and unexpected statement that has sent ripples across the sports and political landscape, veteran basketball executive Lin Dunn has publicly demanded that Brittney Griner be removed from Team USA. Dunn, currently the General Manager of the Indiana Fever and a long-respected voice in women’s basketball, made the remarks during a recent media appearance, saying, “You disrespect the anthem, you don’t deserve to represent this country.” Her comments have ignited a national conversation that goes far beyond basketball.
Dunn’s statement comes as Team USA finalizes its roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Brittney Griner, who was recently named to the preliminary list of players expected to compete, has long been a lightning rod for criticism and praise alike. Her decision in past seasons to kneel during the national anthem — in protest of racial injustice — drew both admiration from social justice advocates and sharp criticism from traditionalists. Dunn’s public rebuke brings those tensions back into the spotlight just as the country gears up for the global stage.
“The flag and the anthem stand for more than any one person,” Dunn said firmly. “When you represent this country, you should do it with pride — not protest.” Her words were met with swift reaction, ranging from strong support to intense backlash. On social media, hashtags like #StandWithLin and #SupportGriner began trending simultaneously, showcasing the divided response to a debate that is once again tearing through the sports world.
Olympic officials and USA Basketball representatives have not yet issued a formal response, but sources indicate that internal conversations have already begun. While Griner remains eligible and is considered a valuable asset to Team USA, pressure from prominent figures like Dunn could weigh heavily on final roster decisions. It remains unclear whether officials will yield to public pressure or stand by their athlete.
Supporters of Griner, including several WNBA players and coaches, quickly came to her defense. “Brittney has sacrificed, survived, and represented this country with courage,” tweeted one current WNBA star. “She deserves our respect, not condemnation.” Griner, who endured a 10-month detention in Russia in 2022, returned to the U.S. under extraordinary circumstances and has since resumed her professional and national career with renewed purpose.
Dunn, however, doubled down when pressed further. “We’re talking about representing the United States of America. That should mean something. If you can’t honor the anthem, you shouldn’t wear the jersey,” she insisted. Her stance has opened up a wider debate about patriotism, protest, and the role of athletes in political discourse — a topic that continues to evolve in today’s polarized climate.
Legal experts say that Team USA is not obligated to consider political views when selecting athletes, but public opinion can and often does shape institutional decisions. “This isn’t just about skill on the court anymore,” noted one analyst. “It’s about what the athlete represents off of it.” Whether Griner’s previous protest actions will ultimately affect her Olympic future remains to be seen.
As the controversy grows, many are calling for a broader conversation about freedom of expression, especially for Black athletes who have historically used their platforms to advocate for civil rights. For others, Dunn’s stance is seen as a necessary reminder of what national representation should entail. The clash between these two worldviews is now playing out in real time, with the Olympics as its battleground.
For now, Brittney Griner has not responded publicly to Dunn’s comments. But with the world watching and Olympic selections looming, her silence may not last long. As Team USA prepares for Paris, the question remains: Who truly deserves to wear the red, white, and blue — and who gets to decide?
