NPSL's Tulsa Athletic eliminates national anthem before matches

National Premier Soccer League club Tulsa Athletic will play “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie instead of the national anthem ahead of all future matches.

In an official team statement, Tulsa Athletic announced:

"Tulsa Athletic’s mission is to create an inclusive community through the game of soccer. After carefully reviewing “The Star-Spangled Banner” lyrics and meaning, including the third verse which mentions “No refuge could save the hireling and slave / From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave…,” Tulsa Athletic came to the decision that the song does not align with the club’s core values. While this verse is rarely sung, Tulsa Athletic does not believe “The Star-Spangled Banner” represents or unites their diverse players, fans and community.

“From our beginning, we have developed a culture of inclusion and acceptance at Tulsa Athletic,” said Sonny Dalesandro, co-owner of Tulsa Athletic. “We live in a country that allows us to freely speak our voice. We utilize this right as a club to continually try and improve our team and community. We believe ‘This Land Is Your Land’ not only captures a powerful patriotic sentiment, but that it does so in a far more inclusive way. The song speaks to this country being built and shared by every person of every race, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. It represents a future Tulsa Athletic is committed to striving for.

"During Tulsa Athletic’s song of patriotism, players and fans can sing along if they are comfortable. As always, all forms of patriotic expression are welcomed and respected at Tulsa Athletic’s matches."

The subject of players from around the sports the world kneeling in protest of police violence and racial injustices before games reentered headlines this spring following the killing of George Floyd.

In the wake of Floyd's death, the United States Soccer Federation repealed a previous law that threatened to ban players who didn't stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber has said the anthem won't play before games that are part of the league's return-to-play tournament that kicks off July 8. 

Former U.S. Men's National Team manager and current New England Revolution coach Bruce Arena recently told ESPN's Taylor Twellman the national anthem shouldn't play before any MLS contests.

"Think about it. In Major League Soccer, most of the players that are standing on the field during the national anthem are international players. They are not even Americans. So why are we playing the national anthem? With all due respect, I live in the greatest country in the world, but I think it is inappropriate."