Huh? Lots of us here played team sports. My final home basketball game as a high school senior I arranged to hide my electric bass under the stands with my amp. When it was time for the NA I ran from where all of us on the team were standing over to my bass and played the NA. I actually went with something like this but not as much distortion and improvising. But Jaco was my inspiration.
Lol, I'm talking Varsity not intramural! Seriously though the musical aspect is my favorite part. Love all the diverse singers but the electric guitar is my favorite. I think removing the anthem removes a cherished opportunity for artists and choirs.
Personally I like the anthem, it gives me a few moments to stop and reflect on the men and women that have come before me and served this country. I think about the people I know personally that have given either their lives or years to keep that idea of the USA. I admit that it's a little strange when you think about it, that it's the only entertainment setting where it is played but I've been conditioned to it.
Cuban has reversed course....which is ok with me. In all the years I participated in and attended sporting events I never had an issue or seen anyone who had an issue wit the Anthem. I enjoyed the super bowl show of patriotism. Of course, I fly old glory from my home.
I'm going to act as if this isn't sarcasm, and claim that if it IS sarcasm then I'm also sarcastic and just playing along. So, with that in mind: 1. This isn't about "liking" the national anthem. You can think it's a fine piece of music with stirring lyrics (although I'd argue you have a tin ear if so) without thinking it should be played before every fucking sporting event in these here United States. 2. Just because something's been done for "as long as you remember" doesn't make it a good thing. 3. The national anthem does not equal America. You can like one without it having anything to do with your feelings about the other. I'm really confused here. I thought that's what you guys wanted?
Quick turnabout by Cuban in response to league pressure: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nba-requiring-national-anthem-mark-cuban-mavs-games
Um, one is an obvious criticism of it and the other is a way-over-the-top sincere version. They're not on the same side. Sidenote: Whitney Houston is the beginning of the de-soulification of R & B - vocal pyrotechnics with no real feeling. She has an amazing voice but she does absolutely nothing for me. Kind of the complete opposite of Billie Holiday.
The idea that somehow the USA leads the world...in self-shaming is the height of comedy (omitting the obvious point that nobody else plays their national anthem before sporting events not involving national teams):
