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The team have not played the anthem in eleven games at the American Airlines Center this season and have no plans to play the anthem in the future, a team spokesperson said.
Team owner Mark Cuban has ordered the team to stop playing the anthem ahead of the season, according to multiple reports.
No reason was given as to why this decision was made. CNN has reached out to Cuban for comment.
The Mavericks had not played a game in front of fans until Monday when the team welcomed 1,500 vaccinated essential workers – including first responders, medics, transport workers, among others – into the arena .
The NBA Anthem Policy states that: “Players, coaches and coaches must stand and line up in a dignified posture along the foul lines while playing the US and / or Canadian national anthems. .
The NBA did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
When the NBA restarted in the Orlando bubble last summer, Commissioner Adam Silver refused to enforce the rule as players began to kneel down for the anthem amid protests against police brutality and advocacy for social justice.
In an interview with ESPN’s Outside the Lines in June 2020, Cuban said he hopes the league will “allow players to do what’s in their hearts” when it comes to playing the anthem.
“Whether it’s holding an arm up, taking a knee, whatever it is, I don’t think it’s about respect or disrespect for the flag, the anthem or our country. I think it’s more a reflection of our players’ commitment to this country, and the fact that it’s so important to them that they’re ready to say what they care about and do what they want. ‘they think they are fair.
He later said in the interview, “I will be at one with our players, whatever they choose to do. But again, when our NBA players do what they have in their hearts, when they do what they feel represent who they are and seek to move this country forward when it comes to race relations, I think that’s a beautiful thing and I’ll be proud of them. ”
The Mavs’ next home game is Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.
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