Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Mavericks to resume playing national anthem in accordance with NBA policies

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Feb 10, 2021 2:48 PM ET

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban confirmed he stopped the national anthem from being played at Dallas' home games this season. However, that will not continue on Wednesday when the Atlanta Hawks come to town.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass announced that all teams will play the national anthem before games in accordance with league policies.

NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass: “With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021

Cuban released a statement on the matter, saying that the Mavericks will resume playing the anthem. His "hope" is that people will be just as passionate about social justice issues as they are about the anthem being played.

Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks will resume playing the Anthem tonight vs. Atlanta. Statement from Cuban, in part: “The hope is that those who feel passionate about the anthem being played will be just as passionate in listening to those who do not feel it represents them.” pic.twitter.com/XnXpd8ThlW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2021

When NBA players put an increased focus on social justice issues while playing at the Walt Disney World bubble, Cuban became one of their biggest supporters. He previously expected his team to stand during the national anthem before pivoting.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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