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Indiana Fever owner supports team's anthem protest: Players have right to be heard

ESPN

Ahead of their 89-78 playoff loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night, the Indiana Fever players locked arms and knelt during the national anthem.

They did so in solidarity with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who started the movement earlier this summer in protest of racial injustice.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment released the following statement Thursday:

During the Indiana Fever versus Phoenix Mercury playoff game last night, the Fever players conducted a silent protest by kneeling during the singing of the National Anthem.

While Pacers Sports & Entertainment believes that our players should follow WNBA protocol, which is to stand respectfully during the anthem, we also understand that they have the right to have their voices heard.

We are very proud of our role in serving the community in Indianapolis and it is our hope going forward that we can collaborate with the players in a positive way, create opportunities for meaningful discussions, and contribute to a stronger, safer, and more unified community.

As alluded to in the statement, league rules dictate that "players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem."

The team could face penalties, though WNBA president Lisa Borders said she supports the players "expressing their views on important social issues."

Fever head coach Stephanie White also backed her squad, telling them: "I'm proud of y'all for doing that together, for being in that together."

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