NFL
In a recent public statement, swimmer Riley Gaines harshly criticized basketball star Brittney Griner for her decision to kneel during the national anthem: you need to show respect for the country that saved you from the Russian Gulag.β πππ
Gaines, known for her patriotic stance, did not mince words as she addressed Grinerβs actions, emphasizing the importance of respecting the American flag and the sacrifices made by those who serve the country. βYou donβt have to sing or anything, but you need to show some respect for the country that saved you from a Russian Gulag,β Gaines declared, referencing Grinerβs recent detainment in Russia.
The swimmerβs comments highlight a broader national debate about patriotism and the ways in which athletes express their political beliefs. Gaines further intensified her critique by stating, βDisrespecting the flag is like spitting on the graves of those who died protecting it.β