During Game 1 of the NBA Finals, former President Donald Trump raised questions about the stance of San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during the national anthem. However, the 22-year-old French player presented a different demeanor in Game 2.
Prior to the matchup against the New York Knicks on Friday in San Antonio, Wembanyama was observed praying during the rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, while his teammates stood with their hands over their hearts or by their sides. Interestingly, during the series opener two nights earlier, Wembanyama had kept his arms folded across his towering 7-foot-5-inch frame during the anthem.
Trump addressed Wembanyama’s initial posture when speaking to Fox News’ conservative sports website, Outkick, from aboard Air Force One on Friday.
“I did not see that,” Trump remarked, just hours before the start of Game 2. “Is that what he did? What did he mean by that?”
Outkick reporter Dan Zaksheske informed Trump, “Nobody asked him.”
To which Trump replied, “I guess you’ll have to ask him.”
Victor Wembanyama was seen in a prayer position during the national anthem on Friday
Victor Wembanyama stood with his arms folded across his 7ft 5in frame before Game 1
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Wisconsin
Some online critics have suggested Wembanyama was intentionally disrespecting the United States during Wednesday’s anthem.
‘The dude can’t even respect the American National Anthem being sung,’ one critic wrote on X, echoing a sentiment held by many others.
Outside of Luke Kornet and Mason Plumlee, who placed their hands over their hearts, most of the Spurs positioned their arms at their sides during the performance.
This also infuriated online critics.
‘Spurs players REFUSE to put their hands over their hearts for the national anthem!’ online influencer Matt Wallace wrote on X. ‘They are making millions of dollars to play a child’s game and still feel oppressed somehow…
‘Only 2 players covered their hearts. Take note of which ones!’
The post came across Stephen A. Smith’s attention, prompting the ESPN host to issue a scathing response to Wallace.
Wembanyama struggled in Game 1 as the Knicks came back to steal the opener in San Antonio
‘This is patently false,’ Smith wrote. ‘There are plenty of people who listen to the Nat’l Anthem and simply bow their heads with their hands in front of them or behind their backs and pay respects.
‘Holding your hand over your heart is not a requirement. The Spurs were not being disrespectful in anyway. Who is anyone to say they were just over that gesture? That is utterly ridiculous!!!’
Wembanyama has not yet been asked about his posture during the anthem. Reporters likely won’t have a chance during Friday’s post-game media availability, when questions typically focus on competition.
His decision to pray during Friday’s anthem also angered Wallace, who accused Wembanyama of covering his face.
‘Victor Wembanyama covers his face during the national anthem!’ Wallace wrote on X. ‘This is the most disrespectful thing I have ever seen a foreign player do while playing in the United States. Unbelievable.’
Wembanyama does not identify with any specific religion, but was seen wearing a traditional Middle Eastern garment during the Muslim holiday of Etid al-Adha.
Although he has never protested during the anthem, Wembanyama has expressed concerns about immigration enforcement in the United States, as well as the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
The Nuggets’ Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is seen praying before a 1995 NBA game in Denver
Decades earlier, the Denver Nuggets’ Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf drew criticism for refusing to stand during the national anthem.
It was in 1996 that Abdul-Rauf began sitting during The Star-Spangled banner or remaining in the locker room until the song was completed.
‘I’m a Muslim first and a Muslim last,’ he told reporters at the time. ‘My duty is to my creator, not to nationalistic ideology.’
Unlike Colin Kaepernick in the NFL years later, the NBA suspended Abdul-Rauf by citing a rule that players and coaches must ‘stand and line up in a dignified posture’ during anthems. He quickly compromised with the league, agreeing to stand during the anthem while quietly praying.
In 2023, Adul-Rauf told The Daily Mail he had no regrets over his protests.
