Spurs' Victor Wembanyama sparks more national anthem controversy with 'disrespectful' behavior at NBA Finals

Victor Wembanyama was once again seen with his arms folded during the national anthem before Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in San Antonio.

The San Antonio Spurs star had drawn criticism for his posture during The Star-Spangled Banner in before Games 1 and 2.

Later, the 22-year-old Frenchman was conspicuously absent for the song before Games 3 and 4 in New York.

And as has been the case throughout the series, Wembanyama faced online criticism for the perceived slight.

'He's trying to prove a point that he's bigger than the National Anthem,' one angry fan wrote on X.

'WTF,' a second critic wrote. 'Victor Wembanyama again standing with his arms crossed during the National Anthem!!'

'It's extremely disrespectful,' another added. 'You're fortunate to enjoy the fruits of Capitalism in America, the greatest country in the world. Show some gratitude, or Leave!'

The Spurs took to the court on Saturday night in a desperate bid to keep their Finals hopes alive.

However, before tip off, all the focus was on Wembanyama and the national anthem as it has been throughout the series.

The 7ft 5in player was mysteriously absent for The Star-Spangled Banner before Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden earlier this week.

It came after he was criticized after Game 1 in San Antonio on June 3, when he was seen with his arms folded as the song was played.

The NBA does require all teams to stand in a dignified posture for the national anthem before every game. But like other rules, such as coaching dress codes, the league has taken a more passive approach to enforcement in recent years

Whereas Denver's Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended one game for refusing to stand for the anthem in 1996, the NBA allowed its players to kneel in protest of racist police brutality after George Floyd's murder in 2020.

The Daily Mail previously sought comment from the NBA on Wembanyama's presence during the anthem and any potential penalty he could face.

The flames of controversy have been fanned by Dan Zaksheske of Fox News's conservative sports website, Outkick, who first raised the issue with Trump aboard Air Force One last week.

'Fox News Digital and OutKick stories on this issue have generated significant audience interest, and social media posts about the controversy have drawn widespread reaction, which suggests plenty of people do care,' Zaksheske wrote .

And many have already made up their mind about Wembanyama.

'The dude can't even respect the American National Anthem being sung,' one critic wrote on X after Game 1.

Outside of Luke Kornet and Mason Plumlee, who have placed their hands over their hearts, most of the Spurs have positioned their arms at their sides during The Star-Spangled Banner.

Interestingly, Abdul-Rauf compromised with the NBA in 1996 by standing in prayer during the anthem after his suspension. He then left the league to play professionally in Turkey and told the Daily Mail in 2023 that he has no regrets about his decision.

It's unclear if something similar could play out with the Spurs star. Wembanyama does not identify with any specific religion but was seen wearing a traditional Middle Eastern garment during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

And although he has never visibly protested during the anthem, Wembanyama has expressed concerns about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and US immigration enforcement. He was admittedly 'horrified' to see Border Patrol shooting and killing Alex Pretti in Minneapolis back in January, noting that the Spurs team has tried to keep him quiet on the issue.

'PR has tried, but I'm not going to sit here and give something politically correct,' he told reporters. 'Every day I wake up and see the news, and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people make it seem like or make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable.

'I read the news, and sometimes I'm asking very deep questions about my own life. I'm conscious also that saying everything that's on my mind would have a cost that's too great for me right now. So, I'd rather not get into too many details.'

Wembanyama also admitted to fearing for his safety in the US.

'It's terrible,' he told reporters in January. 'I know I'm a foreigner and live in this country. I am concerned for sure.'