Dallas Mavericks PLAY national anthem before Hawks game after billionaire owner Mark Cuban forced to reverse ‘ban’
THE Dallas Mavericks played the national anthem before a game against the Hawks after billionaire owner Mark Cuban was forced to reverse his ";ban."
The decision to play the anthem came after the NBA issued a statement on Wednesday saying all teams must play the Star-Spangled Banner before games.
NBA stadiums have recently started letting some fans in to watch games again amid the ongoing Covid pandemic.
After the NBA's announcement, Cuban released his own statement, saying, "We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country. But we also loudly hear the voices of those who feel that the anthem does not represent them.
According to the publication, the lack of the national anthem went undetected for 13 games due to a lack of publicity and a lack of crowds.
The club had fans for the first time in Monday’s 127-122 win over Minnesota.
Dallas is allowing 1,500 vaccinated essential workers to attend games for free.
Back in June, Cuban said that if players on his team decided to kneel to protest , he'd "be proud of them."
“Hopefully we’ll be adapting. Hopefully, we’ll allow players to do what’s in their heart — whether it’s holding an arm up in the air or it’s taking a knee, whatever it is.”
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Cuban continued: “I don’t think this is an issue of respect or disrespect for the [American] flag, or to the anthem, or to our country. I think this is more a reflection of our players’ commitment to this country.”
Per , "Players, coaches, and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem."