Vanderbilt women's basketball team to stay in locker room during national anthem this season

Vanderbilt women's basketball players and coaches will remain in the locker room during the national anthem before each game this season.

Players announced their decision in a team statement shared on their personal Twitter and Instagram accounts on Tuesday before an 81-61 win over ETSU.

"We want to set the example, and we have made a commitment to be the change we want to see in the world," the statement said. "For the national anthem this year, we have chosen to stay in our locker room as a team to mourn and commemorate the racial injustices that have been taking place in the United States."

Vanderbilt spokesman Eric Dolan confirmed that it was a team decision and that coach Stephanie White would remain in the locker room with her players. The Commodores have a 1-1 record after three games were canceled due to COVID-19.

In 2017, the Vanderbilt women's basketball team faced criticism from its fan base, especially on social media, when some players knelt during the national anthem before a preseason game.

But this season's action is a team-wide decision.

"We are not student-athletes, and this is more than playing a game," the statement said. "Every time we put on a black-and-gold jersey, we feel the responsibility as ambassadors of our University, role models to young girls, and members of our community."

The statement concluded: "Thank you for your continued support. Anchor Down, The Student-Athletes of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball."