Dallas Mavericks Relent Over National Anthem

The Dallas Mavericks played the national anthem before their home game against the Atlanta Hawks following a mini controversy. 

Earlier in the week, it was reported that the Dallas Mavericks hadn’t played the national anthem in 13 games. This dates back to the preseason.

It was revealed that the decision was made at the direction of owner Mark Cuban. However, he didn’t make the decision public. The Dallas Mavericks were not trying to make an issue of it.

However, with fans beginning to return to stadiums, the issue was highlighted leading to an NBA clampdown.

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In a statement on Wednesday, NBA chief communications officer Mike Bass said: “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.”

It stinks of all sides wanting to avoid talking about the national anthem for weeks and months. Another NBA rule requires that all players stand during the national anthem. However, Adam Silver has used his discretion, choosing not to enforce that rule in the recent climate of social protest.

It appears Cuban’s decision to forgo the anthem was in solidarity with marginalized groups. “We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country,” he said.

Read: The League’s ‘Going To Be On Notice’ When Nets Turn The Corner

“But we also loudly hear the voices of those who feel that the anthem does not represent them. We feel that their voices need to be respected and heard, because they have not been,” he said in a statement.

“Going forward, our hope is that people will take the same passion they have for this issue and apply the same amount of energy to listen to those who feel differently from them. Only then we can move forward and have courageous conversations that move this country forward and find what unites us.”