Riley Gaines laid into Brittney Griner for kneeling during the National Anthem. “You don’t have to sing or anything, but you need to show some respect for the country that saved you from a Russian Gulag”

mid-July 2024, social media users claimed former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines criticized WNBA star Brittney Griner for kneeling during the national anthem. For example, on July 16, the Facebook account

several accounts sharing the following unsubstantiated quote from an unidentified source: “Disrespecting the flag is akin to spitting on the graves of those who sacrificed their lives to protect it.”

Some social media users interpreted the rumor as a factual recounting of real-life events. One person wrote: “To me KNEELING down is a more reverent act towards the flag!! Like when you enter a sacred place like a temple, a church or a mosque, you kneel to show your deep respect,” to which another responded: “I don’t understand why Americans are so offended when someone kneels because as a-whole kneeling is a sign of respect, honor, and reverence the Catholics do during their service every time they enter the church.

I think a lot of people needs to get over themselves.”