The Dallas Mavericks have opted to stop playing the national anthem before home games this season.
Owner Mark Cuban confirmed the decision Tuesday night but didn't comment further. A league spokesman said, "Under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit."
An absent anthem isn't a first in Mavs history.
"God Bless America" was played before their games instead of the "Star-Spangled Banner" for the franchise's first 16 seasons.
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