I think it's a nice reminder that at the end of the day, both sides have something in common. We're Americans. I like it. I am one of those types that gets goosebumps almost every time I hear the song. I understand some people don't like nationalism. Pride can be a dangerous thing. But I am very proud to be American, and I personally enjoy the song before each event. That's just me. Also, has Wade NEVER been to a game before? They ALWAYS have done this. At least since I was a kid going to the games in the 90s. It's slightly distasteful so I definitely refrain.
How old do you have to be to care about something like this? I didn't know about it, but I like it. If cheering during "rockets red glare" is our thing I want it to continue.
A lot of NBA players are not American, and I'm sure a lot of people watching the game are not Americans either. Nothing wrong with being proud of being an American, but it seems unnecessary to play the national anthem so often in a global sports event filled with talents and viewers from across the world.
The games are played IN America. The others are visitors. They are welcome, but they are IN America...they don't really have a say, imo. Also, there are no other nations in the league, besides Canada. I believe they play the Canadian national anthem at the Toronto games, right? I know they do for every all star game. I think I've seen them showcase all the flags of international players before.
He is complaining about unnamed players not showing respect during the anthem. HE IS NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT THE FANS.
Does he see Les Alexander complaining? He should just shut up. He has no business complaining about another team. If players are restless during national anthem, it doesn't mean they disrespect the flag or the nation.
Hmmm, sometimes, seniors don't understand the impact of looking dumb on media really is... like that lady who drove through Dimassi's dining room in the med center yesterday... they gotta know where the brake is.
That's like saying in all Olympic or FIFA or FIBA competitions, the only anthem that should be played are the anthems belonging to the country that it was played at. The way you are making this out to be is unnecessarily exclusive and nationalistic. Every talented individual is welcomed to play in the best basketball league in the world, and many owners are willing to pay a lot of money to bring them over. It's not quite necessary to insert nationalism in an entertainment event where talent from across the globe come together to compete. Plus, it cheapens the anthem itself if it is played so often.
He is certainly entitled to his opinion and if he sees players clowning around or showing disrespect during the anthem, he can certainly call them out on it. That being said, he should name names and express what they were doing to irritate him rather than throwing the whole team under the bus.
This. I noticed some folks on this site have taken issue with having to listen to the National Anthem prior to every major sporting event. I probably attend 15-20 sporting events a year. By my calculations this means I will stand during the National Anthem for about 30-40 minutes this year. I personally like to remind myself during this time that some of my military brothers and sisters(I am a US Marine vet) are stationed in hostile places and standing guard against our enemies so that I can be at the game and have the freedoms my family and I have. I think we, as a nation, are quick to forget how great we have things. A little respect during the Anthem isn't to much to ask for in my opinion.
I've often seen a few Rockets players cutting up, laughing, playfully pushing each other and things of the like during the national anthem. Not gonna lie. Part of me thought that was a bit disrespectful.
