Disrespect isn't a good example

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had ordered that the national anthem not be played at the American Airlines Center because some people in the Dallas community complained that they felt the song was offensive and "did not fully represent them."

Most fans did not know of the policy change because they were not allowed to attend games during the pandemic. But now that some fans are back in the stands, the policy has become public. The NBA recently issued a statement in response: 

"With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy."

So despite his personal support for players who kneel during the anthem as a form of protest, Cuban's team will comply with the requirement.

"I think that the owner, Mark Cuban, is a very interesting character," responds Cathie Adams, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. "A man who, just because a couple of players didn't like the national anthem, decided, Well, we just won't play it."

She says it is "a good thing" the NBA said the song would be played "even if you're going to have some of your players misbehave during that time."

Adams is tired of rich athletes disrespecting their country.

"These spoiled brats … are making more money than most Americans and teaching the next generation that you can make a lot of money and be un-American," she observes, concluding that is "not the kind of behavior that is good for the next generation."