AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is pushing for legislative action after it was learned the Dallas Mavericks haven’t played the National Anthem at home games this season.
Lt. Gov. Patrick announced on Wednesday that the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act, Senate Bill 4, will be among his legislative priorities this session. He said the purpose of the bill is to ensure that the national anthem is played at all events which receive public funding.
“It is hard to believe this could happen in Texas, but Mark Cuban’s actions made it clear that we must specify that in Texas we play the national anthem before all major events,” said Patrick. In this time when so many things divide us, sports are one thing that bring us together — right, left, black, white and brown. This legislation already enjoys broad support. I am certain it will pass, and the Star Spangled Banner will not be threatened in the Lone Star State again.”
The Texas Democratic Party responded to Patrick’s announcement.
“If only Dan Patrick and the rest of his Trump Republican brethren cared more about a violent right-wing mob attempting to overthrow our Capitol than they do about what a private organization chooses to play at their home games,” a statement from the party read.
The NBA directed teams on Wednesday to play the anthem with fans now beginning t return to arenas.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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