Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made a gutsy call by taking the Star-Spangled Banner out of the pre-game rituals for his team. At the time, the Mavs had no plans to bring it back and cited the reasoning as being that feel it doesn’t properly represent them.
In response to the controversial move, the NBA released a statement essentially forcing all of their teams to play the national anthem, and forcing Cuban to reverse his course.
While that particular situation is over now, the subject at hand is going to be a topic of debate for a long while. After Cuban’s decision, which was both widely hailed and criticized, fans from all corners chimed in to discuss why the anthem was played during sporting events at all, and whether or not it should be a thing for any team going forward.
The latest to join the conversation is Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy, who has gone viral for his comments on it:
If you think the anthem needs to be played before sporting events, then play it before every movie, concert, church service and the start of every work day at every business. What good reason is there to play the anthem before a game?
https://twitter.com/realStanVG/status/1359414302814396418
Needless to say, it got mixed reactions.
Really weak tweet Stan. It's been played before sports for 100 years
— Julian (@JulCar1967) February 10, 2021
We used to sing the pledge of allegiance before school every day. I just don’t see why the anthem has to be so controversial? This day and age people just want something to bitch about.
— Hornsfan722 (@hornsfan722) February 10, 2021
National Anthems and Military honors have nothing to do with sports. That's the stuff you see in North Korea and such nations.
— steve (@stevenehring) February 10, 2021
Coming from 26yrs of service, I can tell you this happens on base/post and camps regardless what country your serving in and even as a kid I asked, why do we do this, isn’t serving enough 🤷🏽♂️… seeing a Billionaire stepping up is and will be huge to the movement for sure!
— I am a masterpiece trying to master peace (@thampson_son) February 10, 2021
I’m patriotic but no need to pledge my allegiance or sing. If I took public office I’d take all oath.
Also not everyone is American players or otherwise.
Could just do my country tis of thee instrumental that’ll cover us and Canada— god save the Queen
— Josh Casper (@metrbocker) February 10, 2021
This is a strange argument. It is tradition to play it before sporting events not before movies etc. It wasn't controversial til recently. Some people have just been brainwashed to hate their own country so they don't want to do it anymore.
— Le Chet (@SwaggerVol) February 10, 2021
To show the freedom that we have in this country and to honor those who fought for it it’s the best chance to do withlarge group of people stop respecting that and taking it away makes it easier to forget what freedoms we have and are easier to take them away
— Mike Richards (@richards_mike) February 10, 2021
The national anthem has always been a way for fans to show their patriotism and love for the country, as well as a way for teams to show their gratitude and respect.
Of course, to others, it’s just a reminder of the injustices being carried out across the nation.
Regardless of how you see things, this might be an issue that hovers over the NBA, and other pro leagues, for a long time
