Anthem singer at Heat game kneels during performance
MIAMI - A woman performing the national anthem before an NBA preseason game between the 76ers and Heat on Friday night did so while kneeling at midcourt, and opening her jacket to show a shirt with the phrase ''Black Lives Matter.''
The singer was identified by the Heat as Denasia Lawrence. It was unclear if she remained in the arena after the performance, and messages left for her were not immediately returned.
Heat players and coaches stood side-by-side for the anthem, all with their arms linked as has been their custom during the preseason. Many had their heads down as Lawrence sang.
The anthem issue has been a major topic in the sports world in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand for its playing. Kaepernick cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from many sports - and many levels, from youth all the way to professional - have followed his lead in various ways.
''All I can say is what we've seen in multiple preseason games so far is our players standing for the national anthem,'' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in New York earlier Friday, at a news conference following the league's board of governors meetings. ''It would be my hope that they would continue to stand for the national anthem. I think that is the appropriate thing to do.''
The NBA has a rule calling for players and coaches to stand during the anthem.