‘This should happen everywhere’: Rival NBA coach backs Mark Cuban’s move to end anthem before Mavericks games

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, is no longer playing the national anthem before the team’s home games - in a move backed by a rival team's coach.

Mr Cuban didn’t elaborate on his decision not to play the anthem, which was first reported in an interview with The Athletic.

13 games were played without anyone noticing, as the decision was neither publicised nor explained internally. There were also no fans at those games due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Playing the national anthem before games is a staple of American sports at both the professional and collegiate level, but is far less common at sporting events in other countries. 

It was a requirement by the NBA, but the organisation gave teams permission to drop the ritual with a spokesperson saying that under the unique circumstances of this season, “teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit”.

The team has no plans to play the anthem for the foreseeable future. The Athletic reports that Mr Cuban declined to comment further on the issues and the team declined to comment on Tuesday.

Reaction from fans was split according to Twitter account Mavs Fans For Life, with 50 per cent of fans loving the move to not play the national anthem, and 50 per cent hating it.

Comments underneath the post ranged from fans calling it a “disgrace” and saying they are now “done with them” to applauding the move. In one case a Twitter user said they are personally split about the decision, saying they agreed with making a stand for equality, but are worried that it may disrespect troops.

“This should happen everywhere,” wrote Stan Van Gundy, head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. “If you think the anthem needs to be played before sporting events, then play it before every movie, concert, church service and the start of every work day at every business. What good reason is there to play the anthem before a game?”

Tim Cato, a writer for The Athletic, noted: “It's sure interesting to me that any Mavericks fan who cares enough to be mad about this sure didn't care enough to notice it wasn't there for 13 games.”

Previously, Mr Cuban was outspoken against critics of NBA players and coaches kneeling during The Star-Spangled Banner when the 2019-20 season resumed in the pandemic bubble in Florida last summer.

Following nationwide Black Lives Matter protests after the police killing of George Floyd, commissioner Adam Silver relaxed rules about players having to stand during the anthem.

“I recognise that this is a very emotional issue on both sides of the equation in America right now,” Mr Silver said at a press conference in December. “I think it calls for real engagement rather than rule enforcement.”

The Mavericks played their first 10 regular-season home games without fans. The club had fans for the first time in Monday’s 127-122 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dallas is allowing 1,500 vaccinated essential workers to attend games for free.