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NBA Tells Mark Cuban’s Mavericks That They Must Start Playing The National Anthem

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NBA commissioner Adam Silver lobbied for Kyrie Irving to play in home games while slamming the NYC mandate that doesn't allow for unvaccinated people to attend games

Adam Silver NBA commissioner during the press conference before the NBA London Game, Basketball match between Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics on January 11, 2018 at the O2 Arena in London, England (Photo by Martin Cole/DPPI/Icon Sportswire) ****NO AGENTS---NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA SALES ONLY****NO AGENTS---NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA SALES ONLY****

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was the subject of a lot of backlash when it was revealed that he had made the decision not to play the National Anthem at any of the team’s home games. The Mavs haven’t played the anthem for any of their regular or preseason games this year, but fans are just now beginning to notice.

After Mark Cuban defended himself, the NBA has now cracked down. The league sent out a memo to all teams ordering them to play the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to all games.

“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,” NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass said in the letter.

Sideaction’s Latest:

I think this is a rare L from Adam Silver and the NBA here. They’ve actually been pretty good about listening to players and teams when it comes to the fight for social justice and equality. This was an opportunity for the NBA to allow a team to handle a touchy situation in-house.

By getting involved the NBA is sending a clear message to its players and fans that their voice still reigns supreme. I don’t think it was the time or situation to send that message.

If Mark Cuban doesn’t want to play the anthem, just let him. It’s taken this long for anyone to even notice anyways.

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