Ending anthems at sporting events?

[Badenoch]

The owner of the NBA Dallas Mavericks has ordered the Star Spangled Banner not be played before home games. The NBA has backed the decision.

Is this is a trend you'd support in Canada? No more anthems before sporting events?

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/report-mavericks-stop-playing-national-anthem-games/

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Tuesday he decided before this season began not to play the national anthem before the team's home games.

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

Cuban didn't elaborate on his decision not to play the anthem, saying nobody had noticed. The Athletic first reported that Dallas had dropped the anthem.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, "Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit."

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

The pregame national anthem is a staple of American sports at both the professional and collegiate level, but is far less commonplace at pro sporting events in other countries.

[trimmer21]

Overt expressions of patriotism has never been a real "thing" in this country. Typically,if it doesn't effect the game or interfere with Tim Horton's or The Legion, I doubt anyone would even notice.

[MikePal]

So instead of getting rid of the players who use the the National Anthem as a platform to disrespect the Flag....they stop playing the National Anthem. And the Democrats won't stop it.

[trimmer21]

So instead of getting rid of the players who use the the National Anthem as a platform to disrespect the Flag....they stop playing the National Anthem. And the Democrats won't stop it.

Well,then,there's that,too,like to end gang shootings,take away guns from everyone.

[Gilroy]

Well,then,there's that,too,like to end gang shootings,take away guns from everyone.

How wants to end gang shootings? The general public does not seem overly concerned with gang members killing each other its only when their is collateral damage that the chit hits the fan, ie Jane Creba.

[johnjyb]

I AM CANADIAN is a statement I am always proud to admit. I sing my anthem with pride and believe we are the best country in the world.
If I didn't I would look to live in the country I thought was the best if I could, I think.
When it comes to paid professional sports maybe we do have to look into whether playing anthems is the right thing to do, especially when you could have players from 20 different countries on the 2 teams involved.
Now, when it comes to amateur sports, like Olympics or World Juniors. There should only be 2 reasons you are participating.
#1) To be the best you can be.
#2) To stand tall and proud under your flag while the National Anthem of YOUR country that you competed for is played.
John

[73hunter]

Overt expressions of patriotism has never been a real "thing" in this country. Typically,if it doesn't effect the game or interfere with Tim Horton's or The Legion, I doubt anyone would even notice.

I disagree Trimmer, in my experience the singing of the national anthem at sports games is one of the ONLY times I see overt patriotism in Canada. I find it quite heartwarming to be in the crowd for a Leafs game and hear everyone singing along

[Badenoch]

I disagree Trimmer, in my experience the singing of the national anthem at sports games is one of the ONLY times I see overt patriotism in Canada. I find it quite heartwarming to be in the crowd for a Leafs game and hear everyone singing along

Everyone? We must be going to different games.

[fishermccann]

Absolutely Hunter . Love the anthem before games. Brings a tear to my eye. Chokes me up. Especially when I can see many of those belting it out ,were not born here.Continue with it please.

[73hunter]

Everyone? We must be going to different games.

Ok, perhaps not EVERYONE.

Enough that it is noticeable.