In a controversial move on social media, swimmer Riley Gaines publicly criticized basketball star Brittney Griner for kneeling during the national flag ceremony. Gaines’ statement, posted on the X platform, quickly garnered attention with its powerful message: “Anyone who knelt during the national flag ceremony is not worthy. They should show respect to the country that rescued them from a Russian prison.” The post not only sparked a heated debate but also reignited the controversy surrounding Griner and her complicated relationship with the American national symbol.
Brittney Griner, one of the WNBA’s top stars, made headlines in 2020 when she expressed support for removing the national anthem before games. Griner believes the national anthem, a symbol of patriotism, doesn’t represent all Americans, especially the Black community, as it was composed at a time when Black people didn’t have equal rights. “I don’t think we should play the national anthem during the season. Personally, I don’t think it should be in sports,” Griner once said.
Griner’s actions and statements have made her the focus of criticism from a segment of the public who consider the national anthem a sacred symbol of unity and national pride. In particular, Griner’s arrest in Russia in 2022 for possession of cannabis oil has sparked debate about her loyalty to the United States, as the U.S. government had to negotiate her return home through a controversial prisoner exchange.
Riley Gaines, a prominent swimmer and social media influencer, wasn’t shy about expressing his views. His criticism of Griner focused not only on her kneeling during the flag salute, but also on how Griner seemed unappreciative of her country’s efforts to free her from Russian prison. “She needs to show respect to the country that stood up for her,” Gaines emphasized on X, evoking strong emotions from supporters of traditional patriotic views.
Gaines, known for his outspoken comments on social issues and sports, quickly garnered support from a large segment of social media users. His post went viral, becoming a hot topic on platforms like Facebook and X, where users actively shared and commented.
Public reaction to Gaines’s statement was mixed. Some supported her stance, saying that Griner should show gratitude to the country that supported her during difficult times. “If she doesn’t respect the national anthem, why should we defend her?” one user commented on X. Others, however, said that Gaines was oversimplifying the issue and ignoring the historical context and personal reasons why Griner knelt during the flag salute, an act of protest against social injustice and racism.
The incident has also revived debates about freedom of expression, patriotism, and the role of athletes in expressing political opinions. Griner, who spent 10 months in Russian custody and was exchanged for a famous Russian prisoner, has become a symbol of resilience and controversy. Her tears during the flag-raising ceremony after winning the 2024 Olympic gold medal further complicated the story, as many saw it as an expression of respect for the country, contrary to what Gaines claimed.
Gaines’s post attracted attention not only for its content but also for its strong viral potential, in line with Facebook’s algorithms. With sharp language, a clear message, and topicality, the post easily attracted user engagement, from likes and shares to comments. Keywords like “Brittney Grinner,” “Riley Gaines,” “National Anthem,” and “patriotism” were widely searched, giving this content the opportunity to appear in news feeds and discussion groups.
The controversy between Riley Gaines and Brittney Griner is a testament to the polarization in American society over issues related to patriotism and freedom of expression. While Gaines represents those who view the anthem as a sacred symbol, Griner represents those who wish to use their platform to fight for justice. Regardless of which side you fall on, the debate is sure to continue to dominate social media, especially on platforms like Facebook, where emotions and personal opinions drive engagement.
