Players must stand for anthem, says NBA
It adds that individual teams do not have the discretion to waive the rule.
New York: The National Basketball Association sent a memo late Friday to all 30 teams instructing players to stand for the US national anthem, and warning teams there won’t be any exceptions.
The memo, from deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, said the league has the discretion to discipline players who violate a rule already on the books stating that they must stand for the anthem, broadcaster ESPN reported.
The memo tells teams that “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.” It adds that individual teams “do not have the discretion to waive” the rule.
In the memo, Tatum suggests that teams make an effort in their first home game to address the current political climate by having players and coaches give a pregame address to their fans.
“This could include a message of unity and how the team is committed to bringing the community together this season,” said the memo, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.
Last season, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the national anthem as a way of protesting racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.