Victor Wembanyama Crosses His Arms During American National Anthem Again, Fans Call Him Out

Victor Wembanayama was criticized by some for how he appeared for the national anthem on Saturday night.

Victor Wembanyama Crosses His Arms During American National Anthem Again, Fans Call Him Out

Victor Wembanyama (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Victor Wembanyama seems to be caught up in another controversy over the American National Anthem. It would have been the last thing he wanted after how things ended in Game 5 on Saturday night.

With their backs against the wall and on the brink of elimination, Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs had immense pressure heading into Game 5. The young team got off to a strong start in the first quarter, but, as in the previous games of the series, they faltered in the second half.

In the end, they succumbed to a 94-90 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center. The Knicks lifted their third NBA championship and their first in 53 years. However, Wembanyama has found himself at the center of attention of right-wing supporters and commentators. He was seen folding his hands during the National Anthem.

This is the second time that Victor Wembanyama has been portrayed in a negative light for his body language during the American National Anthem. Many right-wing pundits criticized Wembanyama and the Spurs players for not having their hands over their hearts when the anthem was being played in Game 1 in San Antonio.

It looks like the Frenchman has landed in hot water for his actions once again. He has already been labeled as a “villain” in the eyes of Knicks fans for shoving Jalen Brunson in Game 3. Wembanyama has been on the receiving end of a lot of fans’ abuse and insults for his actions on and off the court.

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Fans react to Victor Wembanyama folding his hands during the National Anthem

Victor Wembanyama has gotten on the wrong side of right-wing supporters once again. It blew up so much that even Donald Trump was asked to share his thoughts about it.

The video clip of him folding his hands did not take long to generate buzz across social media.

While several fans criticized Wembanyama for his actions, many defended him as well. His supporters believed his actions were not disrespectful in any way, as he is French, not American.

Mitch Johnson dismisses Victor Wembanyama’s national anthem controversy

Everyone would have expected things to move on after the controversy in Game 1. But it looked like the whole incident stayed till Game 5. It looks like the right-wing supporters are still not happy with Victor Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama dunking against the Wolves
Victor Wembanyama (Image via Spurs/X)

The whole controversy reached the press conference as well. Prior to Game 5, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was asked about it as Wembanyama was not on the court for the anthem in Games 3 and 4.

I think there are plenty of players that are not on the floor during the anthem. I don’t know if that’s habit, superstition, bathroom, whatever it may be. I don’t foresee anything looking into that at all.

Mitch Johnson in his press conference

It was the first time that someone from the club responded or made any statements publicly regarding the controversy. However, whether Wembanyama is on or off the court, the criticism continued to rain upon him.

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