Brittney Griner Defends Patriotism Amid Unpatriotic Criticism

WNBA star Brittney Griner has vehemently rejected accusations of being unpatriotic for kneeling during the national anthem, asserting that her actions were in alignment with her American values.

In a recent interview on "The View," WNBA star Brittney Griner addressed the criticism she has faced for kneeling during the national anthem, a gesture that has been labeled as unpatriotic by some. However, Griner defended her actions, emphasizing that they were not motivated by a lack of patriotism but rather an exercise of her constitutional right to protest.

"Everyone has made mistakes before," Griner said, responding to those who have criticized her. "The unpatriotic thing, that blows my mind, because, one, my dad fought for this country, ’68, ’69, Vietnam Marines and law enforcement for 30 plus years. Dad was my hero. I wanted to be a cop. I didn’t want to play basketball growing up, I wanted to be a cop and go into the military, actually."

Griner's response underscores her deep connection to the United States and her belief that her protest was an act of patriotism rather than disloyalty. She pointed out that the right to protest is a fundamental American value and that her exercise of that right does not diminish her love for her country.

"And doesn’t it make me more American that I’m demonstrating a protest? That's my right as an American," she said, adding that "for me to be called un-American, I was blown away at that."

Griner's experience in Russia, where she was detained for nearly a year after being arrested for possession of cannabis oil, has reinforced her appreciation for the freedoms enjoyed by Americans. After spending months in a penal colony under harsh conditions, Griner's gratitude for the right to speak out and challenge the government is all the more profound.

"You have the right to protest, the right to able to speak out, question, challenge and do all these things," Griner said. "What I went through and everything, it just means a little bit more to me now. So I want to be able to stand. I was literally in a cage [in Russia] and could not stand the way I wanted to."

Griner's words resonate with the American values of freedom of speech and the right to dissent. Her willingness to stand up for what she believes in, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to her patriotism and her commitment to making a positive impact on society.