Dawn Staley addresses national anthem issue

[Game...Cocks]

Why is the National Anthem played before sporting events anyway? Sports are such an international pastime now, I can't think of any other reason we play the anthem than jingoism. Yes, honor the country at the 4th of July, or the Olympics, or to honor our proud and deserving military, or in time of national crisis, but at the Superbowl?? One of our bedrock institutions is FREE SPEECH. You wanna protest the anthem or the flag, so be it. Just remember, protesting comes at a cost too--to your reputation.

It does cheapen the anthem to some extent.

 

[Lurker123]

It does cheapen the anthem to some extent.

I disagree.

I can see if I felt it was overplayed, but I don't see that threshold being hit at sporting events.

 

[atl-cock]

Why is the National Anthem played before sporting events anyway? Sports are such an international pastime now, I can't think of any other reason we play the anthem than jingoism. Yes, honor the country at the 4th of July, or the Olympics, or to honor our proud and deserving military, or in time of national crisis, but at the Superbowl?? One of our bedrock institutions is FREE SPEECH. You wanna protest the anthem or the flag, so be it. Just remember, protesting comes at a cost too--to your reputation.

I believe the in the major sporting leagues in North America, e.g., MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS, both the US and Canadian National Anthems are played when the teams in the contest are from both countries.

 

[IOPGCock]

Well, she was standing with the team for the finals….

Which was smart. Squashed the story on the biggest stage.

 

[IOPGCock]

Why is this an issue now? In a previous thread, I mentioned attending a USC-Holy Cross MBB game at the Coliseum in Feb 1983. I clearly noted that the Crusader team was on the court during the playing of the National Anthem, and the Gamecocks were not.

Because things going in 2022 and 1983 are apples and pears. Much more politically charged today whatever side you fall on.

 

[IOPGCock]

Based on this site, and the site this site USED to be over on the other site, FOOTBALL is heads and shoulders above all other college sports. In popularity, in economic relevance, in national standing. Also based on this site when it was over "there", no effort was spared by a substantial % of the posting base in telling everyone else that WBB at South Carolina was irrelevant.

So why would the question of does the WBB team come out and stand for the National Anthem, be a bigger question than the question of, does the FB team come out and stand for the National Anthem? Or, has it EVER come out and stood for it, post 9/11 notwithstanding??

So you’d have to see prior to 1983 I guess, the year 2001 was introduced. I’m not saying they would come out, but 2001 is the reason. They’re not going to get 100 players to come out for the anthem then go back in and then run back out. They’re also not going to whip 80,000 people into a frenzy then play the anthem.

If, and I’m saying if, prior to 2021 the team did come out and now they don’t, it’s an honest question to ask what changed. If they normally have not since prior to 2021 then there isn’t a question.

No comment on whether that is good, bad or indifferent.

 

[IOPGCock]

Here's a simple solution. If you think what DS and her team does regarding the national anthem is wrong, give up on WBB as UofSC. Don't watch. Don't comment. If you simply can't get past the flag issue, vote with your feet (and don't let the door hit ya).

Otherwise, focus on the sport... and the unprecedented achievements of our program. We are fortunate that DS is with us and not against us.

While your point is logical I’m not sure it’s fair. I agree, focus on the sport. But the sports make that difficult these days. Hard to focus on the sport when warm up attire is adorned with non sports slogans.

To me, again saying your point is logical, it’s a two way street. Sports cannot become activist and then think people should focus on the sport.

I wish players and fans could simply be all about the game. It’s uniting when it is.

 

[York cock]

Here's a simple solution. If you think what DS and her team does regarding the national anthem is wrong, give up on WBB as UofSC. Don't watch. Don't comment. If you simply can't get past the flag issue, vote with your feet (and don't let the door hit ya).

Otherwise, focus on the sport... and the unprecedented achievements of our program. We are fortunate that DS is with us and not against us.

Short sighted

 

[atl-cock]

Why is this an issue now? In a previous thread, I mentioned attending a USC-Holy Cross MBB game at the Coliseum in Feb 1983. I clearly noted that the Crusader team was on the court during the playing of the National Anthem, and the Gamecocks were not.

Because things going in 2022 and 1983 are apples and pears. Much more politically charged today whatever side you fall on.

Politics can be a b***h. SIGH