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No Disrespect Intended, Of Course
This morning I learned that Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has stopped the playing of the National Anthem at their home games; it was his decision alone. The anthem has not played for any of the 13 games played at home. The most shocking part of this decision is that he supposedly hasn’t received negative feedback. Or maybe fans just don’t care.
Cuban has backed players’ protests in the past. In June 2020, he supported players and coaches who refused to stand during the playing of the anthem:
‘Whether it’s holding their arm up in the air, whether it’s taking a knee, whatever it is, I don’t think this is an issue of respect or disrespect to the flag or to the anthem or to our country,’ Cuban said. ‘I think this is more a reflection of our players’ commitment to this country and the fact that it’s so important to them that they’re willing to say what’s in their heart and do what they think is right.’
I had to read the quotation twice. I think any player who behaved in this way fully intended to disrespect this country.
I would love to imagine that some fans will finally choose to demonstrate their love of country and begin to sing the anthem spontaneously at an upcoming game.
Take that, Mark Cuban. No disrespect intended, of course.
Update: After this post was written, the NBA released a statement asserting that all NBA teams must begin each game with the national anthem.
Published in Culture
I do wish they would start playing the Chinese National Anthem at the games. It’s only appropriate for the NBA. And everyone should be kowtowing while being played.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeMFXiEq_ow
What a fine idea, @hangon! I would think that Mark and his players would love it!
Shark Tank viewers, if there are any, take note.
Because of Covid, attendance at the games is very restricted, so I’m guessing Cuban picked his spot. Not particularly courageous. Sneaky in fact.
Actually we’re Shark Tank fans (when I can stomach Kevin), @hoyacon, and I like Mark’s demeanor on that show. He’s also got a big heart with young people who are trying to be successful. But he is not a patriot.
I respect my country by no longer having any truck with the NBA. Tell them to peddle their no-defense commercial-laden anti-American garbage to the CCP.
We are witnessing the dismantling of American patriotism, pride, culture, our laws and our constitution in fast speed. It is so disheartening and oppressive. I feel like Sisyphus even pretending to fight the obvious change.
I am tired of fighting a battle that is already lost. As a famous pastor said “God D**m America” and the voters seem to vote for that, so let them have it.
Honestly, I have never understood why we play the National Anthem before sports games. So I’m actually in favor of this approach.
You see, Cuban is fortifying the national anthem not rejecting it!
Why are anthems played at the start of sporting events?
I can see it for the Olympics or state sponsored college games, but pro sports?
The tradition began in earnest at baseball games during WWI.
It is a tradition, and a nice one that brought people together for a moment. But we knew after the kneeling started that this tradition would eventually be dropped. So I am not surprised. But I’m also so cynical these days that I can’t help but think it has more to do with China than America.
I wonder if it’s more needed now than ever. In spite of all the calls for unity (which are meaningless), maybe one place we can come together is through patriotic activities. Also, we have teams that are “warring” in a competition. It’s not a bad idea to remember in spite of the clashes between teams, we can unify as citizens and momentarily transcend the differences.
My wife asked me about this this morning. I assumed it was during a war but not sure which one. Thanks for the information.
I played football growing up and heard the anthem before every game and even now I have sort of a Pavlov dog rush of adrenaline when I hear it. Back then, “Home of the brave” was usually followed by “hit somebody out there!”
Thanks for this! Really interesting. I’m not surprised that some patriotic one-upsmanship ensued as the practice spread.
In general, I’m uncomfortable with socially-coerced shows of patriotism or loyalty. I feel the same way about making school children recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thank you for this link. What a wonderful story behind the tradition!
I wasn’t uncomfortable with the Pledge, but really didn’t know why I was saying it. I think children might feel different if the reasons behind it–citizenship, patriotism, gratitude, and other aspects–were explained.
I forgot to point out that Mark’s praising his players had to do with the importance of their “expressing their feelings.” Of course, their feelings had to do with their disdain for America.
I see a distinction between never having played the anthem and stopping playing the anthem at a time of turmoil in the country. The latter instance is a STATEMENT, and I do not like the message.
Excellent point, and a valid one, I think. Thanks.
The National Anthem has always had a powerful effect on me. Cuban should be shunned.
LOL, there are two things wrong with this…one is…is anyone actually showing up for games. In short has anyone been there to notice? Secondly, its the Dallas Mavericks, the distantly third best NBA franchise in Texas. Perhaps this is a publicity stunt to get their names in the press.
Gosh, I thought I was cynical! LOL! You make good points, @dbroussa. Thanks.
This may have been a ploy to avoid having to deal with kneeling and the like. No anthem. No kneeling. Cute…
On the plus side, these overpaid, future cab drivers will be robbed of their platform for virtue signaling. One less venue to show how “woke” they are…
I’m not much disturbed by this either. I don’t mind the singing of the anthem at all and generally participate when it is sung, but I really see no need for it particularly at entertainment events like sports. Just get on with the game and move along with life. Phony baloney attempts at patriotism by folk who don’t have any appreciation for the uniqueness of this nation and its constitution are pretty worthless, especially when many of the same can’t be bothered to be active in their government or communities beyond showing up for movies and ballgames. The less mindless playing and recital of the anthem the better, that way it can be meaningful in the special places it is sung.
I agree. Professional sports shouldn’t be allowed to wrap itself in a fake mantle of patriotism. It’s demeaning to true patriotism.
That’s what I think some of the time. At other times I think it’s entirely appropriate and uniquely American.
What’s probably not characteristically American is for me to waffle on the issue like that.
FWIW, today the NBA issued a statement saying, “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.” It will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens to Cuban if he persists.
(The link is to the league’s website.)
Thanks, @danok1! Since Cuban had no problem when the league insisted that people not kneel, I have doubts whether he will care. But we’ll have to watch and see.
I’ve been thinking about your comment, @jmelvin, and I have a couple of questions: (1) Is there any place where you are comfortable singing the national anthem? (2) How do you know whether people who sing it at sports events are making “phony baloney attempts at patriotism”? (3) How do you know how many of them are active in their government and communities? Is being a scout leader patriotic? Is attending church patriotic?
I would suggest that your definition might be too limited. To me, any person who isn’t afraid to express a love of this country, or better yet, is willing to do it publicly is patriotic. You seem to be a bit elitist about who qualifies as patriotic and who doesn’t.
One other thing: If they don’t sing but stand up, and don’t talk while it’s being played, I’m a happy camper. And if they’re not patriotic, maybe one time the anthem is played something will stir within them and be ignited.