LOS ANGELES – The Dallas Mavericks have opted to stop playing the US national anthem before games this season, reports said Tuesday, breaking with a pre-game ritual that is widespread in American sport.
The Athletic website said the Mavericks’ policy against playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before home games at the American Airlines Center was confirmed by owner Mark Cuban. Cuban did not comment further.
The Athletic said the anthem had not been played before any of the Mavericks’ 13 home and regular season games this season, including Monday’s home win over Minnesota, where fans attended for the first time.
NBA rules require players to stand for the anthem, but commissioner Adam Silver has…
