“The playing of the national anthem is a time-honored tradition and the Dallas Stars will continue to perform the Star-Spangled Banner prior to our games at American Airlines Center,” the league said. “As the only National Hockey League team in Texas, we are proud to represent our state and our country.”
One of Texas’ two Major League Baseball teams took a similar position.
John Blake, vice president of communications for the Texas Rangers, confirmed in a statement to The Texan that they will continue to play the national anthem before games.
“The Texas Rangers will certainly continue to play [The Star-Spangled Banner] before all home games in 2021 and beyond,” Blake said.
The Houston Astros declined a request for comment.
Controversy centered on the national anthem bubbled up this week after Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban confirmed to The Athletic that the team was no longer playing the anthem before games.
Following Cuban’s confirmation, the National Basketball Association announced the anthem will be required throughout the league consistent with “longstanding league policy.”
Professional sports players, including at least two Dallas Stars players, who are upset about racism have used abstaining from the national anthem in various fashions as a method to express their political and cultural views.
The practice has faced backlash from those who believe the practice is unpatriotic and disrespectful toward veterans and members of the armed forces.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."