Advertisement

Updated February 10th, 2021 at 14:56 IST

Why did Mavericks stop playing national anthem? Cuban confirms removal of national anthem

Why did Mavericks stop playing national anthem? As per reports, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has made the decision to not play the national anthem before games.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
why did mavericks stop playing national anthem
| Image:self
Advertisement

For 13 games, there has been no US national anthem at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. As per a decision by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, the national anthem will not be played before the team's NBA games. While talking to The Athletic, Cuban revealed that he had made the decision himself. 

Also read | Delonte West finds work in Florida, reunites with mother thanks to ex-boss Mark Cuban

Why did Mavericks stop playing national anthem? 

While Cuban made the decision long ago, the move apparently went unnoticed for the initial 13 games (preseason and regular-season). The Mavericks did not publicise the move, not even within the organisation or through a media statement. On Monday (Tuesday IST), the American Airlines Center opened to a limited number of fans. 

The decision comes after months of protests and has received mixed reactions from fans. 

Cuban, on his hand, has been vocal about his views on protesting while kneeling during the national anthem. Last year, Cuban spoke to ESPN about the same. Speaking on ESPN's Outside the Lines, Cuban stated that if the Mavericks decide to take a knee during the national anthem and were respectful about it, he would be proud of them and would hopefully join them. Mark Cuban also said that he hopes NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league will 'allow players to do what's in their heart'.

Also read | Mavericks owner Mark Cuban lashes out at popular reporter for calling Luka Doncic 'whiner'

Fans react to Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks national anthem decision

Silver did comment on the same, stating that the league will overlook the rule so players' decisions are supported. “I recognise that this is a very emotional issue on both sides of the equation in America right now,” Silver said in December, adding that they need rule engagement and not enforcement. 

Also read | Mark Cuban's 11-year-old son Jake invests in AMC, Blackberry amid Reddit's stock driving

Cuban further explained that if someone is holding their arm up or kneeling down, he does not think it is an 'issue of respect or disrespect to the flag or to the anthem' to their country. As per Cuban, the way their players choose to act will be a reflection of their players' commitment to the country and prove that 'it's so important to them that they're willing to say what's in their heart and do what they think is right'.

Also read | Doncic tops Curry in duel as Mavericks beat Warriors 134-132

(Image credits: Dallas Mavericks Instagram)

Advertisement

Published February 10th, 2021 at 14:56 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Mukhtar Ansari Death
2 minutes ago
US Federal Reserve
10 minutes ago
Team Legend
21 minutes ago
Brij Bhushan and Sanjay Singh
23 minutes ago
Mani Ratnam
24 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024
28 minutes ago
The Surprising Benefits of Video Games Beyond Just Entertainment
29 minutes ago
Alia Bhatt
32 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo