Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had said that the National Anthem hasn’t been played before home games yet this year, and that would continue this way for the rest of the season. The first 13 combined preseason and regular-season games played at American Airlines Center were without the national anthem:
Mark Cuban confirms Mavericks are no longer playing national anthem at home games https://t.co/u42zPC4zW5
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 10, 2021
That didn’t sit well with the league:
Full statement from the NBA on mandating all teams to play the national anthem: pic.twitter.com/VeCIxLCpew
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 10, 2021
Mark Cuban’s plan to not play the national anthem before Mavs home games quickly gets dunked on by the league office. https://t.co/JknbH009wT
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) February 10, 2021
Mark Cuban’s decision was not sitting well with many fans especially now that they are returning to games. The leagues’ statement appears to acknowledge that.
.@mcuban Call Beijing. https://t.co/MZ3V095zb1
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) February 10, 2021
.@mcuban Call Beijing. https://t.co/MZ3V095zb1
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) February 10, 2021
That was quick https://t.co/EnYmKe9UDO
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 10, 2021
Cuban responded this way:
Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks will resume playing the Anthem tonight vs. Atlanta. Statement from Cuban, in part: “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.” pic.twitter.com/XnXpd8ThlW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021
WATCH: Reporter asks White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki about President Biden’s opinion on the decision by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to stop playing the national anthem before home games. https://t.co/5kHpWa0hdp pic.twitter.com/Ah2ztNKiGn
— The Hill (@thehill) February 10, 2021
