Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard is chasing her first WNBA championship during the ongoing WNBA Finals. With the series tied, Howard is preparing to head back to the Bay Area for Game 5 against the Golden State Valkyries. While preparing for Game 4, Howard addressed the media and shared her viewpoint on the Finals’ national anthem controversy.

Rhyne Howard’s Comments Regarding Anthem Controversy Cause Mixed Reactions From WNBA Fans

OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske spoke to Howard before Game 4 regarding the Dream being off the court while the national anthem has been played throughout the Finals.

Howard expressed her love for the United States but noted that she doesn’t think she’s been on the floor for the national anthem during her tenure in Atlanta, so she doesn’t consider the situation a major issue.

However, she noted she’s always on the court for the anthem while representing the United States in international play. Zaksheske also spoke with Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko, who declined to address the anthem controversy.

Multiple fans expressed disappointment with Howard’s comments. One fan offered a strong reaction, writing:

“[Expletive] Cowards. Protesting without actually having something to protest. I may not agree with your stance, but at least be a man (or woman) and state your position and why you feel that way. Have some backbone. Some of the world’s worst people. And I truly mean that. Anyone that gives this league any monetary support should be ashamed of themselves. It’s sad that young girls in this country can’t have these athletes to look up too. USA women’s basketball and soccer, deplorable. Shame on you.”

Sports content creator Scott Wetzel said, “Why don’t they just say why? It’s actually a simple question whether they’ve been doing it all year, for 7 years, or for just the finals. What’s the answer?”

Some notable figures expressed disappointment that the Dream and Valkyries were off the court during the national anthem throughout the Finals.

Howard and fellow Dream star Angel Reese have been singled out in some of the criticism, as both were members of Team USA’s gold-medal-winning squad at the FIBA World Cup last month.

Other fans sided with Howard, with one saying, “Rhyne is a literal queen for this answer and I love her so much. [Expletive] this dude and his disingenuous framing.”

Some fans blasted Zaksheske and Outkick, with one saying, “Please revoke this man’s credentials along with the organization he works for. Just disgusting journalism and using journalism is being generous.”

Another fan said, “Revoke all Outkick media credentials. They’re useless and only in search of clickbait. A team is on the brink of their first championship and what bothers you is who is on the floor for the anthem?!”

Howard was one of the rare bright spots in the Dream’s 67-62 Game 4 loss to the Valkyries, scoring 19 points. The anthem controversy will likely continue heading into Game 5, though Howard’s comments suggest she’s done discussing the topic.