WNBA fans turn on Caitlin Clark after spotting 'disrespectful' act during national anthem... while Sophie Cunningham is labeled a true 'patriot'

Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever teammates have faced backlash online after failing to cover their hearts during the national anthem.

Fan footage appeared online ahead of their game against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday night, highlighting Sophie Cunningham as the only player to perform the patriotic gesture during The Star-Spangled Banner.

The Indiana Fever went on to beat Atlanta 95-91 in overtime in a thrilling game. Clark scored 26 points to lead her team to victory over Angel Reese's Dream, but her actions before the game drew attention.  

Clark stood behind Cunningham in the line, standing with her hands behind her back and facing the flag during the song. Cunningham was hailed by fans as a 'patriot' but Clark faced a wave of criticism online for not following suit. 

Footage went viral on social media with the caption: 'Sophie Cunningham stood with her hand over her heart for the entire National Anthem. Caitlin Clark didn’t. The Atlanta Dream couldn’t even be bothered to come out for it. Absolutely disrespectful. 

'This entire league is trash at this point. Thank God for Sophie Cunningham.' She later replied to another comment about Cunningham declaring: 'She's a patriot.' 

The original poster also responded to a post defending the players and insisting 'this is how athletes notoriously stand for the anthem before the game' by hitting out at 'excuses' for them. 

She wrote: 'Giving excuses to 24 year olds for not putting their hand over their heart during the national anthem is disrespectful and I’ll stand by that. You were either raised right or you weren’t. Stop giving excuses to entitled brats.' 

One fan responded to the anthem footage: 'Sophie Cunningham is the only good thing about the WNBA. Will support her but done with everything else.'

Another pointed out: 'The U.S. Government Information guidelines suggest that civilians stand at attention, face the flag, and place their right hand over their heart. 

'The code uses the word "should" instead of "shall," which means it is advisory and not legally binding or enforceable' but was told in response: 'Don't care. It's disgraceful.' 

One fan claimed Clark is 'turning into a joke' while another said: 'So disrespectful. Just hurting their revenue going forward. Of course they don’t realize it.' 

Another questioned Clark directly, asking: 'Why not @CaitlinClark22??? Do you hate America too? Be more like Sophie. I hope your parents taught you better.'

'I’m surprised Caitlin didn’t! I’m pretty sure she owes a lot to the United States of America!,' wrote a fan while another said: 'Cunningham is the only decent player! Clark is too busy pandering.'

Another user suggested: 'Every person in the building that paid to watch them play should have walked out of that arena as soon as the anthem was over. The reason that players keep disrespecting our country is because we continue to support them in it.'

'I wouldn’t watch a game if you paid me," read another post. 'The entire league embodies the woke mentality. Done with Caitlin Clark too. What a pathetic sellout.'

However, others did rush to defend Clark and the Fever stars, pointing out: 'The hand over the heart is a newer phenomenon and can sometimes be perceived as performative. Prior to the Trump year's, standing up straight in a respectful manner with your hat off worked just fine.'

Another added: 'Caitlin Clark and several other teammates stood respectfully, although yes, Sophie was the only one with her hand on heart. Props to Sophie' before pointing out Clark called it a 'tremendous honor' when she played for Team USA this summer. 

'No need to harp on Caitlin. She’s a proud American.'

Cunningham has found herself at the center of enormous political debate in recent weeks after speaking out about trans athletes in women's sports.

She celebrated her 30th birthday last week and, just hours after Indiana beat the Dallas Wings on Friday night, she displayed her patriotism again as she was filmed climbing atop the bar at Clayton's Country Bar in Indianapolis and singing along to Toby Keith's classic 'Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue.'.