The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver have made it clear that players must stand during the national anthem due to league rules. This announcement comes in the middle of major anthem protests across the NFL, but it sounds like the NBA will not be as tolerant when it comes to their players and demonstrations during the anthem.
Silver’s announcement is sure to cause some drama around the NBA. Players have been openly speaking about their displeasure in President Donald Trump. It is likely that we haven’t heard the last about this issue in the NBA.
According to reports, if a player decides to break the NBA’s current rule, a fine up to $100,000 could be handed down to that player.
During his announcement, Silver stated that he expects players will respect the rule and stand for the anthem. He also said that the rule has been in place since before he took over the commissioner’s office.
“Many of our players have spoken out already about their plan to stand for the anthem. And I think they understand how divisive an issue it is in our society right now. It’s been a rule as long as I’ve been involved with the league, and my expectation is that our players will continue to stand for the anthem.”
That statement is much different than the statement that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made. Goodell sided with the players and made it clear that the league would support whatever decision the teams and players made about their stance on the national anthem.
It will be interesting to see whether players decide to take action despite the league rules. Players like LeBron James have been vocal about their displeasure with the stance that Trump has on the issue. To a player like James, taking a fine may not be that big of an issue.
All of that being said, the NBA seems ready to stand by their rule no matter what players and teams want. Silver’s statement makes it clear that the league would rather focus on the game to be played rather than getting into political issues. That will make one side of the debate happy, while the other side could become more outspoken about their displeasure in the matter.
Do you think the NBA should allow players to protest the national anthem should they choose to do so? Do you agree with Silver being ready to uphold the rule no matter what? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!