WNBA Announcer Reacts To Brittney Griner Changing Opinion On National Anthem
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 12: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury stands attended for the national anthem before the WNBA game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Footprint Center on May 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Last Friday, Mercury star Brittney Griner appeared in her first WNBA game since returning to the United States. Prior to tipoff, she stood for the national anthem.
Griner told reporters that she felt many emotions while hearing the national anthem.
“Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different,” Griner said. “It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up and the anthem is playing, it just hits different. … Being here today … it means a lot.”
During an appearance on "Outside the Lines," Mercury play-by-play announcer Cindy Brunson was asked about Griner's current stance on the national anthem.
Brunson provided some insight on why Griner now views the national anthem in a different light.
"It's all about perspective," Brunson said. "In 2020, Brittney was among all of us watching George Floyd get murdered on TV while we were at home in lockdown. Her perspective on what the anthem meant from a social and racial justice cause pivoted.
"Now, Brittney recognizes her relationship with the anthem has shifted once again more akin to what she experienced as an Olympic athlete, having that gold medal hung around her neck and the pride and joy that brings out. That's the space she's in right now."
Griner and the Mercury will begin their 2023 season on Friday against the Sparks.
The Mercury will then head home on May 21 to face the Sky.
