The National Anthem has been the focal point of a heated discussion regarding politics and sports, and what sort of crossover should or could exist between the two.

For many Americans, sports are an escape from reality.  They are an important part of our mental health ritual, and they remind us that this is a nation in which we’ve been successful enough to enjoy these luxuries.

So, when athletes get political, some of these fans are wholly enraged.  This was supposed to be their safe harbor from such trouble, and here we are fighting over what’s appropriate behavior during the National Anthem and why.

Now, in a controversial move, one NBA team is simply going to stop playing the anthem altogether.

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The Dallas Mavericks have stopped playing the national anthem before home games at the direction of owner Mark Cuban, he confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.

The Mavericks do not plan to resume the tradition to play the national anthem before games in the future.

Cuban, who declined further comment, made the decision after consulting with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. The Mavericks did not announce the change in policy, but the national anthem has not been played before any of their 13 preseason and regular-season games at the American Airlines Center this season.

No players, coaches or staffers from other teams have mentioned the change, according to a team source.

The move is sure to fire up the debate once again, as patriotic Americans are sure to be upset that the song will no longer be played, and those looking to protest may find that their most prominent moment to do so has been nullified.

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