Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban Stops Playing National Anthem at Home Games

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to stop playing the National Anthem before home games.

Mark Cuban, who owns the basketball team, confirmed to The New York Times that it was his decision and that the team will not be playing the anthem in the future.

“It was my decision, and I made it in November,” the 62-year-old Shark Tank star shared with the outlet.

The Mavericks never officially announced that they would stop playing the National Anthem before games. The Athletic has also reported that none of the 13 preseason and regular-season games played at the team’s stadium – American Airlines Center – have included the anthem.

Mark has been outspoken against people who criticize basketball players for kneeling during the National Anthem over past seasons.

Back in June 2020, Mark said he told his basketball players to “to do what’s in their heart” despite an NBA rule that expects players and coaches to stand during 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,” Mark told ESPN at the time. “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.”