Conservatives outraged after Cuban scraps anthem before Mavericks games

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban came under criticism from the right on Wednesday after news broke that he had stopped playing the national anthem before his NBA team’s home games this season. 

The NBA on Wednesday announced it would mandate all teams play the anthem before games. Cuban told reporters he will begin playing the anthem again before games. 

“The hope is that those who feel passionate about the anthem being played will be just as passionate in listening to those who do not feel it represents them,” Cuban said. 

The Mavericks have not played the anthem at American Airlines Center before any of their 13 preseason and regular season games this year. Cuban said he instructed gameday staff not to play the anthem after talking the matter over with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. 

After ESPN, The Athletic and several other outlets reported the news, critics, mainly on the political right, blasted the franchise and its owner.

Fans who still choose to attend should put their hands on their hearts and just start singing it. Now that would be a moment. https://t.co/TY6Ccl6zIs

— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 10, 2021

The Mark Cuban national anthem story is not a sports story its part of a much larger campaign against conservative values.

The avalanche of negative attacks on
Guns
Religion
National Anthem
US flag

Are designed to demonize the brand and conservatives better fight back soon.

— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) February 10, 2021

But now there won’t be anything to kneel during…

Mark Cuban’s Mavericks won’t play national anthem anymore https://t.co/8KDWlSEjfN via @nypostsports

— Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) February 10, 2021

The national anthem has become the whipping post for woke elites with a cause. Since they can’t figure out how to actually solve problems, they attack something beloved and unrelated: the anthem.

Then they pat themselves on the back, telling each other how much they “care.”

— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) February 10, 2021

@mcuban Your decision to cancel our National Anthem at @dallasmavs games is a slap in the face to every American & an embarrassment to Texas. Sell the franchise & some Texas Patriots will buy it. We ARE the land of free & the home of the brave. https://t.co/mkDszFoxJa

— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) February 10, 2021

Transplant @mcuban is once again trying to impose liberal values on Texas. We respect our country here in the great state Mark, you should try it. https://t.co/RErhfNLTRe

— Texas Federation of College Republicans (@txfcr) February 10, 2021

NBA rules dictate that players stand during the national anthem, an edict that has not been enforced over the last year as dozens of players have engaged in protests against policy brutality and systemic racism. 

The Mavericks hosted a limited number of fans for the first time at American Airlines Center Monday night.