Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is decidedly anti-national anthem. He alone decided that "The Star-Spangled Banner" is offensive to some and will not be played before home games.
Cuban said the decision was made because some in the Dallas community told team representatives that the national anthem "did not fully represent them." Fans did not know of the policy change because they were not allowed at games during the pandemic. But now that some fans are finally allowed to start back attending games, the policy has become public.
After the news broke this week of Cuban's distaste for America's rallying song, the National Basketball Association fired a shot heard around the league.
NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass made it clear that under his watch, the red, white, and blue will be honored – even by the Dallas Mavericks.
"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."
As a result, Cuban has said his team will comply with the NBA’s requirement, despite his personal support for players who kneel during the anthem as a form of protest. Thankfully, the NBA won't let Cuban be a "maverick."
Oh, by the way, the NBA logo...it happens to be red, white, and blue.
Sign our petition to the NBA, thanking them for standing up to the un-American antics of team owner Mark Cuban and requiring teams to play the national anthem before basketball games.
