Dwyane Wade transgender MIAMI, FL – APRIL 13: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks on during a game against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena on April 13, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Before last night’s Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup in Miami between the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat, both the Canadian and United States National Anthems were played. However, not everyone on Miami stood and respected the entire Canadian anthem.

Dwyane Wade was seen taking jump shots during the majority of the Canadian National Anthem. Granted most of his teammates were late to lineup, but to not lineup at all?

As you can expect, many Canadians weren’t happy and some made very good points.

The point made by @WolstatSun is interesting. If a Canadian or any other non-American did the same thing stateside during the United States National Anthem, fans would be furious too.

Scenes like this have happened before and players have been disciplined. Back in 1996, Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was fined and suspended by the NBA for not standing during the national anthem.

Per the Los Angeles Times:

“The NBA and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf have fixed the price of his stance on–or refusing to stand for–the national anthem. It’s $31,707 every time it’s played before a Denver Nugget game.”

The rules at the time stated:

“players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture . . . during the playing of the American and/or Canadian national anthems.”

However it’s unlikely the Wade situation will become as big as what happened with Abdul-Rauf back in 1996.

“My beliefs are more important than anything… If I have to give up basketball, I will,” Abdul Rauf said. “(the flag is) a symbol of oppression, of tyranny… This country has a long history of that. I don’t think you can argue the facts. You can’t be for God and for oppression. It’s clear in the Koran, Islam is the only way. I don’t criticize those who stand, so don’t criticize me for sitting. I won’t waver from my decision.”

After Saturday’s game, Wade didn’t say anything about his practice during the anthem and the league had not made a statement about the issue as of early Sunday morning.

Toronto ended up winning the game 95-91 and leads the series 2-1. Game four is Monday May 9th at 8:00 pm EST.

[LA Times]

About David Lauterbach

David is a writer for The Comeback. He enjoyed two Men's Basketball Final Four trips for Syracuse before graduating in 2016. If The Office or Game of Thrones is on TV, David will be watching.