Wembanyama Draws Backlash Over Crossed-Arms Anthem Stance After 26-Point NBA Finals Opener
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Wembanyama Draws Backlash Over Crossed-Arms Anthem Stance After 26-Point NBA Finals Opener
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 4
Summary
Victor Wembanyama became the focus of off-court controversy after cameras showed him standing with his arms crossed during the U.S. anthem before Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
No explanation had emerged by publication: the NBA, the Spurs and Wembanyama's representatives did not respond to requests for clarification, leaving fans to debate whether the gesture was political or simply habitual.
The scrutiny intensified because the 22-year-old French star had already drawn attention in January by accusing ICE agents of "murdering" civilians, comments that resurfaced as the anthem clip spread widely online.
That debate quickly overshadowed his Finals debut on the court, where Wembanyama scored 26 points but shot 6-for-21 as San Antonio squandered a 14-point second-half lead and lost Game 1 to New York.
The flare-up lands as the NBA tries to build momentum around a Knicks Finals run, Wembanyama's rise and a high-profile series that now risks being defined as much by politics as basketball.