Words by Jason Cordner
The NBA took measures to ensure that players will remain standing during the national anthem, especially with the NFL surrounded by controversy from their player’s protesting.
The NBA sent out a memo to teams reminding them that players must stand for the national anthem, a guideline that comes amid heated debate over anthem protests in the NFL. In the memo distributed on Monday, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum urges teams to use game openings to “demonstrate your commitment to the NBA’s core values of equality, diversity, inclusion and serve as a unifying force in the community.” While he said the league supports the right of players to express their views on important social issues, he made clear that the national anthem before games is not the time to do it.
The consequences seem to be severe. “The league office will determine how to deal with any possible instance in which a player, coach or trainer does not stand for the anthem.”
In the memo, Tatum suggests teams might address the current political climate by having players and coaches give a joint pre-game address. “This could include a message of unity and how the team is committed to bringing the community together this season,” the memo states. Instead of kneeling during the anthem, the memo also suggests teams might prepare a video tribute or public service announcement featuring “team leadership speaking about the issues they care about.”
NBA players, including stars such as LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul, have grown more and more comfortable in criticizing both President Donald Trump and the current societal and political state of the country. It’s smart decision to head off all of the controversy now, rather then when the NBA season starts and could potentially distract players.
THE NBA IS NO STRANGER TO CONTROVERSY.
The Golden State Warriors were in the forefront of everyone’s mind for quite a while with the controversy with their invitation being rescinded from the White House. It’s no surprise that they are being proactive in preventing the twitterpated wrath of 46.
