Local News

Actions

Dwyane Wade in hot water after ignoring anthem

Posted
and last updated

Canadians are upset with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade for ignoring the country’s National Anthem prior to the Heat’s playoff game with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

In a video posted to YouTube, Wade can be seen shooting hoops while his teammates and opponents stand in line during the singing of “O Canada“ prior to the game.

Wade responded to the criticism on Sunday, though he didn’t go as far as an apology.

“You’re always sensitive to anything throughout the world,” he said. “I’m not thinking about nothing like that. I’m thinking about what I need to do before every game that I prepare for and have been doing my whole career,” Wade told the Palm Beach Post. “I understand whatever’s said from that standpoint, but I’m not a disrespectful person. If anybody thinks I’m being disrespectful to their country, then they have no idea who Dwyane Wade is.”

Wade also explained to the Post that he didn’t want to break his pre-game routine, which calls for him to make a basket before lining up for the anthems.

But Wade’s comments haven’t been enough for many Canadian officials. Toronto politicians, including mayor John Tory, have called out Wade for what they call a lack of respect.

 

 

 

 

Do you think Wade should be punished for his actions? Let us know in the poll below.

 

 

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.