Anthem Singer at 76ers-Heat Game Kneels During Performance

[FunkPumpkin]

Anthem singer at 76ers-Heat game kneels during performance

source

MIAMI -- A woman performing the national anthem before an NBA preseason game in Miami on Friday night did so while kneeling at midcourt, and she opened her jacket to show a shirt bearing the phrase "Black Lives Matter."

The singer was identified by the Miami Heat as Denasia Lawrence. It was unclear whether she remained in the arena after the performance, and messages left for her were not immediately returned.

Heat players and coaches stood side by side for the anthem, with their arms linked, as has been their custom during the preseason. Many had their heads down as Lawrence sang, and the team released a statement saying it had no advance knowledge that she planned to kneel.

"We felt as a basketball team that we would do something united, so that was our focus,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Throughout all of this, I think the most important thing that has come out is the very poignant, thoughtful dialogue. We've had great dialogue within our walls here and hopefully this will lead to action.''

The anthem issue has been a major topic in the sports world in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand for its playing. Kaepernick cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from many sports -- and many levels, from youth all the way to professional -- have followed his lead in various ways.

"All I can say is what we've seen in multiple preseason games so far is our players standing for the national anthem," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in New York earlier Friday, at a news conference after the league's board of governors meetings. "It would be my hope that they would continue to stand for the national anthem. I think that is the appropriate thing to do."

The NBA has a rule calling for players and coaches to stand during the anthem.

Heat guard Wayne Ellington often speaks about the need to curb gun violence, after his father was shot and killed two years ago. He had his eyes closed for most of the anthem Friday, as per his own custom, though was aware of Lawrence's actions.

"At the end of the day, to each his own,'' Ellington said. "If she feels like that's the way she wants to stand for it, then more power to her.''

Making a statement in the manner that Lawrence did Friday is rare, but not unheard of in recent weeks.

When the Sacramento Kings played their first home preseason game earlier this month, anthem singer Leah Tysse dropped to one knee as she finished singing the song.

Tysse is white. Lawrence is black.

"I love and honor my country as deeply as anyone yet it is my responsibility as an American to speak up against injustice as it affects my fellow Americans," Tysse wrote on Facebook. "I have sung the anthem before but this time taking a knee felt like the most patriotic thing I could do. I cannot idly stand by as black people are unlawfully profiled, harassed and killed by our law enforcement over and over and without a drop of accountability."

[FunkPumpkin]

The national anthem is not a piece for solo expression. If you're hired to sing it, just sing it. never.hire.her.again.

FFS, both sides of our high school football playoff game tonight engaged in prayer before and after the game...

... and black people were there and didn't give a shit because they were with us all. Nobody kneeled during the Anthem and none of them stood against prayer.

Fuck you, Racist-Hyphenated-Americans!

[Steve 1]

BLM regardless of whatever crime they commit, yea that's a luxury us white folks aren't afforded. Those retards should start making BLM in their own neighbourhoods, but nooooz, it's easier to blame the cops for doing their jobs. Take some responsibility for your actions BLM.

[teacherof2]

Wish Black Lies Matter would go away already.

[shoelessjojackson]

Even though it's their very right to kneel during the national anthem, what this woman did was in very bad taste. Some people are so egotistical, that they forget just how much shit they take for granted. There are people that would kill to have the privilege to live in this great country, let alone sing the national anthem at a ball game. So some corrupt pig killed an innocent person. How the fuck does that represent the whole United States? Actions speak louder than words. Do all these people protesting practice what they preach? Are they really the change you want to see in this world. Instead of focusing even the slightest on the positive, these people reach for the down right negative. I feel bad for those killed by police brutality, and to say there isn't a problem with today's law enforcement is ignorant. But comn your given one chance to express commemoration for your country, and this is how they chose to express themselves?

[shoelessjojackson]

Originally Posted by teacherof2

Wish Black Lies Matter would go away already.

if you wish hard enough, maybe ISIS and the KKK will also disappear

[Oswald2001]

Originally Posted by teacherof2

Wish Black Lies Matter would go away already.

Yes.

ISIS Syria would be nice for them.

[curvature]

kneeling at a basketball game. Fucking ridiculous.

[sexychef1987]

Originally Posted by FunkPumpkin

The national anthem is not a piece for solo expression. If you're hired to sing it, just sing it. never.hire.her.again.

FFS, both sides of our high school football playoff game tonight engaged in prayer before and after the game...

... and black people were there and didn't give a shit because they were with us all. Nobody kneeled during the Anthem and none of them stood against prayer.

Fuck you, Racist-Hyphenated-Americans!

Ugh.... She didn't kneel to pray... If you don't know what happened and how it ties into America today, then keep your idiotic stereotypes to yourself. Not standing and placing your right hand on your heart is disrespectful to more than the people that are around to see it today.