The team has not played the anthem for eleven games at the American Airlines Center this season and does not plan to play it in the future, a team spokesman said.
The team’s owner, Mark Cuban, instructed the team to stop playing the anthem before the season, according to several reports.
No reason was given to explain why this decision was made. CNN contacted the Cuban for comment.
The Mavericks did not play in front of any fans until Monday, when the team received 1,500 essential vaccinated workers – including rescuers, medical personnel, transport workers, among others – into the arena.
The NBA anthem policy states that: “Players, coaches and coaches must position themselves and align themselves in a dignified posture along the lines of fouls when playing American and / or Canadian national anthems.”
The NBA did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
During the NBA’s restart in the Orlando bubble last summer, Commissioner Adam Silver refused to enforce the rule when players began to kneel to hear the anthem due to protests against police brutality and the defense of social justice.
In an interview with ESPN’s Outside the Lines in June 2020, Cuban said he hoped the league “would allow players to do what’s in their hearts” when it comes to playing the anthem.
“Whether it’s holding your arm in the air, kneeling, whatever, I don’t think it’s a matter of respect or disrespect for the flag or the anthem or our country. I think this is more a reflection of our players’ commitment to this country, and the fact that it is so important for them that they are willing to say what is in their hearts and do what they think is right.
He later said in the interview: “I will be in unison with our players, whatever they choose to do. But then again, when our players in the NBA do what is in their heart, when they do what they feel they represent who they are. they are and looking to move this country forward with respect to race relations, I think this is a beautiful thing and I will be proud of them. ”
Mavs’ next home game is on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.