Dion Waiters Skipped National Anthem For Religion Reasons

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters skipped out on Friday night’s national anthem. He informed the media that it was for religious regions.

Dion Waiters generated some discussion earlier this week because he decided to excuse himself from the court during pre-game activities and was not present for the singing of the national anthem for the game against the Utah Jazz.

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Did Waiters miss the national anthem because he was upset he would not be in the starting lineup?

That was one reason that floated out there by fans and those who were wondering where Waiters went, but it turns out he had a much different reason for leaving his teammates behind on the court: religion.

Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer asked Dion Waiters why he chose to miss the anthem, and the Cavaliers guard said it was because of religious reasons.

Haynes wrote:

"Waiters informed Northeast Ohio Media Group that he is a Muslim and that he plans to excuse himself prior to the national anthem from here on out.“It’s because of my religion,” Waiters told NEOMG. “That’s why I stayed in the locker room.”Waiters says he is rededicating himself more to his Muslim faith. He appears to be in a happier state."

It will be interesting to see if Waiters continues to excuse himself for the national for the duration of the season and if that is something the NBA will take action on.

Previously, the league suspended another muslim player, Mahmoud Abdul-Raouf, for one game because he refused to stand to acknowledge the anthem and rise to his feet.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters skipped out on Friday night’s national anthem. He informed the media that it was for religious regions.

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