Megan Rapinoe’s career as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) came to an end on Sunday after she played a friendly against South Africa. In keeping with her past behavior, Rapinoe did not sing or place her hand over her heart during a pre-match performance of the National Anthem.
On Tuesday’s show, Megyn was joined by community activist Carrie Prejean Boller to discuss Rapinoe’s final “middle finger” to the U.S. and why it is time for young girls to have better role models.
Rapinoe’s Final ‘Middle Finger’
Earlier this year, Rapinoe announced she would be retiring at the end of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season in October. While she still has a few more matches to go with OL Reign in the NWSL, the 38 year old played her final match as a member of the USWNT on Sunday. It was a friendly against South Africa at Soldier Field in Chicago that the Americans won 2-0.
A corner kick from Rapinoe in the forty-ninth minute helped set up the final goal, and she was subbed off a few minutes later. But it is what happened before the match that Megyn called the once star forward’s “last middle finger” to the country that gave her so much. “In her last middle finger to the United States, which made her rich, which gave her a college scholarship, which gave her $7 million a year, reportedly, in endorsements and fees for playing soccer for us… is scowling with her hands behind her back as the little girls in front of her put their hands on their heart,” she said. “She doesn’t say one word. She doesn’t touch her heart. She looks angry the entire time she’s out there.”
As per her custom, Rapinoe did not actively participate during the performance of the National Anthem. Instead, her hands were crossed behind her back. According to Yahoo Sports, Rapinoe started treating the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” as a “somber moment” for “peaceful protest” back in 2016 after being inspired by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
She later told the outlet that “it would take a lot” for her to end her protest. “I’ll probably never put my hand over my heart,” she said. “I’ll probably never sing the national anthem again.”
After the friendly, a video tribute was played and Rapinoe was presented with a jersey to commemorate the number of matches she played for the USWNT. “I know that I am a liked player, and I know that I mean a lot to the game,” she told the crowd. “But to have this night come and to actually feel it and see it — from my teammates, from our staff and certainly from the fans, who have been such a huge part of our success on and off the field, really — it was very special.”
So Long, Farewell
Both Megyn and Prejean Boller said Rapinoe’s retirement could not come soon enough. “She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President [Joe] Biden, the highest civilian honor in the land; her relationship with [former WNBA star] Sue Bird… has been celebrated by virtually every magazine and in every media corner,” Megyn explained. “Still, she can’t find even the gesture of putting her hand on her heart for a country that’s made her rich and famous just for playing a sport she supposedly loved.”
As captain of the USWNT and one of the most recognizable players in the sport, Rapinoe has been in a unique position to influence young women. “She sets a terrible example for our little girls,” Megyn noted. “All I can say is thank God those girls were looking forward and not looking back at Megan Rapinoe… because she is no role model.”
Prejean Boller believes Rapinoe’s behavior is “the epitome of narcissism” and privilege. “Think of all the ‘privileges’ she’s had; think of all the money that she’s made,” she said. “She’s so oppressed, and she’s standing up for things? No, she’s not. She’s an absolute national disgrace.”
Ultimately, Megyn hopes Rapinoe’s retirement is the end of this era of U.S. women’s soccer. “Good riddance,” she concluded. “I hope I never have to listen to her comment on any soccer game or anything in the future because she doesn’t deserve it. She’s not grateful for the support this country has shown her.“
You can check out Megyn’s full interview with Prejean Boller by tuning in to episode 635 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s Triumph (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.