Silver expects players to stand for anthems
Just as he said almost a year ago, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reiterated Thursday that he expects players to stand for the national anthems, as per league rules.
"My expectation is that our players will continue to stand for the anthem," Silver said after a Board of Governors meeting, according to the New York Times' Scott Cacciola. When asked if a dissenter would be punished, the commissioner said it would be handled accordingly.
Asked if a player will be penalized if he doesn't stand for the anthem, Adam Silver says such a situation would be dealt with if it arises.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 28, 2017
The NBA has mandated players, coaches, and trainers stand for both the national anthems of the United States and Canada for decades. The rules also prohibit gum-chewing and placing hands in pockets as the songs are played.
Last season, in the wake of growing demonstrations that began with then-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, some NBA players found a loophole in those regulations. Several teams began linking arms in a show of unity, something the league appeared to have no problem with.
In his remarks on the subject last year, Silver said standing for the anthems "is the appropriate thing to do."
The NBA's anthem regulations have been tested before. In 1996, during less turbulent times politically, Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf sat down during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." He was suspended for one game.