The Dallas Mavericks stopped playing the American anthem before its games under the direction of owner Mark Cuban, ESPN reports. The team has not issued an official statement on the matter, but the anthem has not been played in any of its home games this season.
No one has really noticed Dallas’ new policy, and no opposing player has complained about it until now. Under the NBA Constitution, the anthem should be played before games, however Mark Cuban and Commissioner Adam Silver came to a different conclusion. Cuban said last June: “If the players want to kneel during the anthem, I will be proud of them. Hopefully I can join them one day. I do not think it demeans the anthem or the country, the players should do what they see fit.”
Irving: “We are mediocre”
The Brooklyn Nets suffered a third straight loss tonight (Tuesday-Wednesday), this time 122: 111 to Detroit. The Nets manage to beat the big teams, but against the teams with a negative balance it is very difficult and its balance stands at 7 wins against 11 losses. This is compared to 7 wins and a single loss against teams with a positive balance.
Kyrie Irving said at the end: “I don’t think we live to be mediocre. Right now we are very mediocre. We have the talent and the ability. We need to be more dominant.” His friend Diandra Jordan also agreed: “We have to get better, and so do I. Especially defensively.”
“Teams come and play in a very relaxed way against us,” said Kyrie.