Getty Image
The NBA is putting its foot down when it comes to playing the national anthem before games.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Mark Cuban had opted out of playing the anthem before Mavs games because he reportedly believed “many felt the anthem didn’t represent them.”
Mark Cuban decided before the season the Mavericks would no longer play the national anthem, and it hasn't been before any of the team's 13 home games.
It's the first instance we know of a pro sports team striking the U.S. anthem from the pre-game. https://t.co/VaReFVCu4U
— tim cato (@tim_cato) February 10, 2021
Source close to Mark Cuban says decision to not play Anthem before Mavs games isn’t because they don’t love U.S., but because many feel anthem doesn’t represent them, and they want to continue discussion of how to represent people from all communities when honoring U.S. at game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021
Source close to Mark Cuban says decision to not play Anthem before Mavs games isn’t because they don’t love U.S., but because many feel anthem doesn’t represent them, and they want to continue discussion of how to represent people from all communities when honoring U.S. at game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021
On Wednesday the NBA released a statement stating that every team will play the national anthem before games despite Cuban’s recent decision to not play it.
With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy.”
Update: Mark Cuban has released a statement on the anthem situation.
