Adam Silver: NFL in 'very different' situation than NBA regarding anthem

The NFL has received widespread backlash for its new policy, set to be enforced from the start of the 2018 season, which requires players and team personnel to stand for the national anthem if they choose to come to the sidelines.

The NBA, meanwhile, has largely avoided criticism for its longstanding rule mandating that players and coaches "stand in a dignified posture" for the national anthems, and commissioner Adam Silver believes his league is in a "very different" situation than the NFL.

"We've had a rule on our books that precedes (former commissioner) David Stern," Silver said Thursday, according to USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick. "It was put in place by (commissioner) Larry O'Brien in the early '80s. From my standpoint, it's been about respect - respect for the institution, respect for the fans, respect for the country that these players are playing in."

Silver noted the athletes' backgrounds are different in each league, estimating that 25 percent of NBA players aren't American.

"It's hard to say in the case of the NBA it's about patriotism when a quarter of our players aren’t even American. But we've viewed it, and we collectively have viewed it as a moment of unity in our arenas," Silver said. "Frankly, it's been a different dialogue in the NBA than it's been in the NFL. … Our emphasis at least has been on constructive activities in our communities."

Silver said there hasn't been any talk with the NBA Players Association about amending the anthem rule.

The commissioner isn't the only prominent NBA figure who's pointed to the differences between the two situations. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr called the NFL's policy "idiotic" and accused the league of using "The Star-Spangled Banner" as "fake patriotism."

Some NFL players are reportedly considering a different on-field gesture in response to the new rules.