I’m just amazed that the same anti-patrioti attitudes have not spread to the NBA.
************
The NBA has a rule that the players must stand for the Anthem. It is basically a part of their contract to play in the NBA.
See H (2) below
snip
H. PLAYER/TEAM CONDUCT AND DRESS
(1) Each player when introduced, prior to the game,
must be uniformly dressed.
(2) Players, coaches and trainers are to stand and l
ine up in a dignified posture along
the sidelines or on the foul line during the playin
g of the National Anthem.
(3) Coaches and assistant coaches must wear a sport
coat or suit coat.
(4) While playing, players must keep their uniform s
hirts tucked into their pants, and
no T-shirts are allowed.
(5) The only article bearing a commercial ‘logo’ whi
ch can be worn by players is
their shoes.
See Section H, p. 60 of the rules
http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/1314-nba-rule-book.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPH4Oayq7Ss
At the very beginning of the video Bud Grant talks about his respect for the National Anthem, and demanded it from his players. “Hand over your heart, helmet hanging down from your left hand. No chewing gum, no scratching....”