NBA Owner Mark Cuban Removes National Anthem Before Home Games

According to a report by The Athletic, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has decided to completely remove the national anthem from being played before home games for his team throughout the season.

There was no announcement that this move was taking place, it was only noticed by those in attendance or told by team employees when asked about the anthem.

Back in the summer, Cuban voiced his support for players kneeling during the anthem.

"If they were taking a knee, and they were being respectful, I’d be proud of them. Hopefully, I’d join them,” said Cuban.

Mark Cuban reportedly decided before the start of the NBA season to no longer play the national anthem before Dallas Mavericks games.

So far, it hasn’t been played before the team’s 13 preseason and regular-season home games https://t.co/0eHej0U8sk

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 10, 2021

After receiving backlash from his comments, Cuban tweeted “The National Anthem Police in this country are out of control. If you want to complain, complain to your boss and ask why they don’t play the National Anthem every day before you start work.”

Mark Cuban decided before the season the Mavericks would no longer play the national anthem, and it hasn't been before any of the team's 13 home games.

It's the first instance we know of a pro sports team striking the U.S. anthem from the pre-game. https://t.co/VaReFVCu4U

— tim cato (@tim_cato) February 10, 2021

The Mavericks are the first pro sports team to remove the national anthem before games.

UPDATE (2/10/21 @ 2:42 PM ET): The NBA released a statement saying the National Anthem will be played before ALL NBA Games.

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