It has worked with the players on issues of gun violence and police brutality. As the NFL was engulfed in daily discussions about the merits of standing for the anthem, the NBA was faced with its own situation. For decades, the NBA has had a rule in place about standing for the anthem — a rule originally intended to ensure players weren’t shooting or stretching while the anthem was played. Because the NBA had earned their trust and shown willingness to work with players to advance issues the players care about. That’s not to say the league agrees with everything its players and coaches do and say, or vice versa.

Source: National Post May 25, 2018 14:03 UTC