This NBA Team Stopped Playing The National Anthem Before Games & Nobody Noticed
An NBA team stopped playing the U.S. National Anthem before games and nobody even noticed.
The Dallas Mavericks have not played "The Star-Bangled Banner" at a single one of their 13 pre-season or regular-season games this season.
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The team did not publicize the removal of the Anthem, but they do not plan to play it moving forward at their home arena — The American Airlines Center.
According to The Athletic, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made the decision, but he has not given an explanation.
On Wednesday, the NBA pushed back with a statement that said all teams should play the National Anthem.
"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," said Mike Bass, NBA Chief Communications Officer.
In response, Cuban released a statement saying, "We respect and always have respected the passion people have for the anthem and our country. But we also loudly hear the voices of those who feel that the anthem does not represent them."*
The Mavericks will reportedly play the National Anthem at the American Airlines Center tonight when they host the Atlanta Hawks.
*This article has been updated.