As the NBA does its part in becoming the booming microphone for players to speak out against social issues, the Dallas Mavericks franchise just turned on the amplifier.
The Dallas Mavericks will no longer play the national anthem. Mark Cuban confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday.
Now, although it’s official, the Dallas Mavericks haven’t played the national anthem all year. It probably went by unnoticed due to the lack of fans in the stands. However, fans were finally able to enjoy Mavericks basketball in person, as Mark Cuban allowed 1500 frontline workers in the American Airlines Center to watch Luka Doncic versus the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday night.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania spoke with a source “close to Cuban” for further comment on the report.
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
The Dallas Mavericks played a significant role in protests during the summer in light of George Floyd’s tragic death. Specifically, Mark Cuban, Dwight Powell, Jalen Brunson Maxi Kleber, and former Maverick Justin Jackson supported protesters and mourners amidst a vigil on behalf of Mr. Floyd.
The Dallas Mavericks have set the bar by removing a song that stood as a tradition for decades. As the NBA’s progressive reputation continues to meet expectations, the challenges don’t cease to exist.
