The essentials
Atlanta and Golden State left the court during the anthem before Game 3, and the league has not yet explained the absences.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the national anthem before Game 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. The league rulebook requires players, coaches and trainers to stand and line up for the anthem.
Two seated people in a public relations area did not stand during the Game 3 anthem. Separately, Enes Kanter Freedom was removed from Game 3 after declining a private suite offered for his protection.
Vance condemned the anthem walkouts as disgraceful and said players should show more gratitude. As of Game 3, the WNBA, both teams and the NBA had not answered questions about the anthem absences.
Other ways to read this story.
Alternative framings generated by SigNews. These are not independent sources or attributed quotations.
League rules require standing for anthem, and the walkouts raised questions
The WNBA rulebook calls for players, coaches and trainers to stand and line up for the national anthem. Measured against that standard, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries leaving the court before Game 3 stands out, and two seated people in a league public relations area also did not stand. Viewed through the rulebook, the key open question is why the requirement was not followed, and the league, both teams and the NBA had not answered that question as of the game.
Vance calls anthem walkouts disgraceful as questions remain unanswered
Vance condemned the anthem walkouts as disgraceful and said players should show more gratitude, framing the matter around appreciation. That criticism contrasts with the lack of official response: the WNBA, both teams and the NBA had not answered questions about the absences as of Game 3. Readers seeking the full picture will find both the public criticism and the absence of an official explanation.