Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX on February 8, 2021. Dallas, Texas
The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks broke with a tradition upheld by nearly every professional sports team in the United States by not playing the national anthem before Home games. Senator Cruz said the decision was bad.
National Basketball Association (NBA) Mavericks owner Mark Cuban confirmed to the news media that the team stopped playing the national anthem at his direction.
The team has not played the anthem before any of its 13 games through this season. The Mavericks began allowing fans to participate in games on Monday (Feb. 8).
Cuban declined to explain the reasoning behind the decision. The Epoch Times also did not reach the team on Wednesday. American Airlines Arena, the host of the Mavericks’ home games, did not respond to a request for comment.
The NBA rule book requires players, coaches and trainers to remain standing during the national anthem. But the league began allowing players and others to kneel during the anthem last year as a show of support for the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Some activists argue that kneeling during the national anthem serves to highlight America’s alleged racial inequality. Critics say the timing of such a protest is wrong and that it is disrespectful to the military and the country.
In 2017, then-President Donald Trump took exception to professional soccer players kneeling during the national anthem. At the Time, Cuban made a similar observation.
“This is America, and I’m proud of the people who are speaking civilly. That’s what makes us this country.” Cuban said, “I would have stood there with my hand over my heart. I think the players will (stand). I hope they will be.”
Last year, however, Cuban said his stance had changed.
“If they take a knee and they’re respected, I’d be proud of them. Hopefully I’ll join them.” Cuban told ESPN.
“Whether it’s arms raised, whether it’s kneeling, whatever it is, I don’t think it’s a matter of respect or disrespect for the flag, for the national anthem, for our country.” Cuban added, “I think it’s more a reflection of the commitment that our players have to this country and the fact that — it’s so important to them that they’re willing to say what’s on their mind and do what they think is right.”
In response to the Mavericks’ decision, an NBA spokesman told news outlets, “In the particular circumstances of this season, teams are allowed to operate as they see fit in the pregame.”
Cuban and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, clashed over the national anthem during the fall of 2020.
At the time, a radio host said he (Cruz) refused to support the Mavericks because players were kneeling during the anthem, and Cuban tweeted, “The anthem police in this country are out of control. If you want to complain, complain to your boss and ask them why they don’t play the national anthem before you start your day.”
Cruz accused Cuban and the NBA of “making a concerted effort to – (1) insult their fans; and (2) turn every game into a left-wing political speech.” He said it was a bad decision.
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