Cleveland Cavaliers refuses to respect the National Anthem
 

Dion Waiters informs NEOMG that he is a Muslim and plans to skip national anthems | cleveland.com

In the NBA Rules Book I found:
In the Comments On The Rules section:

H. PLAYER/TEAM CONDUCT AND DRESS
(1) Each player when introduced, prior to the game, must be uniformly dressed.
(2) Players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along
the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem.

Is this an actual rule? What is the penalty? Would it be a Technical Foul? I do not see a remedy for violating this.

Ok, I just found Rule 12
 

RULE NO. 12—FOULS AND PENALTIES

A. Technical Foul

Section V—Conduct
a. An official may assess a technical foul, without prior warning, at any time. A technical
foul(s) may be assessed to any player on the court or anyone seated on the bench for conduct
which, in the opinion of an official, is detrimental to the game. The technical foul must
be charged to an individual. A technical foul cannot be assessed for physical contact when
the ball is alive.

So, clearly an official in the NBA could blow the whistle on this goof. Opinions anyone?

I hope the hell not. And I would not even want to call anything for this. I am not paying attention to every player during introductions that seriously.

Peace

Ok, it looks like the guy was either misuderstood
 

Or, he changed his mind.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters clarifies remarks regarding his pregame ritual | cleveland.com

I still would like to know what your opinions are on what an NBA official should do if a guy were to do this.

I think I'd leave it up to the league to impose a fine or something. But I'm not an NBA official, so maybe they think differently.

The officials wouldn't do anything as far as in game penalties...if there is any punishment to be had, it would be imposed by the league.

I tend to think they wouldn't but, they certainly could do so.

If some creep decides to call attention to himself by refusing to stand, I think he is requesting a Technical Foul.

It's a great country. You're entitled to that opinion.

1st Amendment protections are one of things that make this country great.

Just like Waiters has the right to not stand for the National Anthem. I don't like it, but there it is. Although, the NBA has the right to punish its employees (like the players) for not abiding by their rules. Just like any other company.

Hmm

Makes me think of one of my favorite speeches from a movie...

I am not advocating his arrest. He has the "right" to not stand. He does not have the First Amendment protection to intentionally and publicly embarrass his employer without consequences. The NBA and the Cavaliers also have rights.

In addition, The First Amendment does not protect him against breaking the rules of the NBA.

he could tell a referee he thinks he is stupid. Is it illegal? No. Will there be consequences? Of course.

Methinks you doth protest too much.

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, First Amendment protections are limited in private employment settings. Main protection is against government taking action against you for what you say. However, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects "sincerely held" religous beliefs.

Don't know enough about his claim but pretty sure NBA wouldn't want referees making the decision if his belief was sincere or not...thx

Maybe, I'm naive or stupid, but what does the National Anthem have to do with being Muslim? What does it have to do with any religion?

Don't be a plumber.