The Dallas Mavericks said they weren’t going to play the national anthem. Now the NBA is saying that every team will be playing the anthem as usual. They did not signal out the Dallas organization in their statement. Although the NBA has made moves to promote social justice and equality since the tragic death of George Floyd last year, this was a tad bit too far for the league.
NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass released the statement regarding the anthem. Citing “longstanding league policy” as well as the process of allowing fans back, Bass assured all that all teams will be complying with the policy. The move by the Mavs to stop playing the anthem this season was seen as a way to take the controversy of the anthem out of the equation entirely. It won’t be played so players don’t have to stand or be present for a song they feel does not represent them and fans upset about kneeling won’t have to worry about kneeling if the song isn’t played in the first place.
NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass: “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.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021
Mark Cuban released a statement in response to CCO Bass’ statement.
“We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country…the hope is that those who feel passionate about the anthem being played will be just as passionate in listening to those who do not feel it represents them.”
The NBA has been heralded and praised as a progressive sports league. Often the NBA is compared with the NFL as its foil. This is a move that may blow over in the end but comes as a surprise to critics and supporters of their past actions. Cuban stated he has always personally stood for the anthem with his hand over his heart no matter where is played. He feels those that feel the anthem is not representing them need to be heard and listened to.
The Dallas Mavericks play the Atlanta Hawks tonight. The anthem will resume playing in accordance with the league’s announcement.
