Do you believe a team's absence during the national anthem represents a lack of respect for the country, or can it be seen in a different light?

I think that, with the numerous different religions in society, it is hard to blame athletes for missing the national anthem because the modo is "In God we trust" and if the player doesn't believe in a God or in that specific God, that could be their reason for not participating.

Teams who won't be present during the anthem shows their lack of respect for the country and those who have fought for it.

there's always a deeper meaning that many won't know and don't have to know.

It is extremely disrespectful to not stand for the national anthem because there are people fighting for you to live your life how you want and dying for you everyday and to not stand for that is rude and disrespectful and ungrateful

They should be on the court for the anthem.

It doesn't really matter to me that much

people should be able to choice how and if they want to participate.

I think everyone should respect America and the history of it by standing for the national anthem.

Yes, I feel that it is extremely disrespectful

All teams should be present during the national anthem.

I believe if a team is over seas in another country they should be present during the national anthem as a sign of respect.

Freedom of speech and protest are given because of the National Anthem, so using an American Constitutional right against America is disgusting and disrespectful.

absence during the national anthem represents a lack of respect for the country

It can be seen in a different light. It might not be necessarily disrespecting the country but rather a distaste for a mandate to having to be present or participate in the national anthem.

Respect the national anthem. Be there for it. If you disagree with a stance the the elected officials have voted on then move to another country that will always agree with you (You can't but you know). A show to the nation that keeps you relatively safe is the proper thing to do, think things through.

I think if there is a team sitting out for the national anthem then that means that they are trying to bring attention to their cause or something they are trying to change with the help of the people higher up which is what the sitting out is for.

If you don't stand for the country you live in, then leave.

Nobody owes anyone or anything respect if they do not feel it’s been earned, regardless of country.

I think it is incredibly disrespectful to sit or ignore the national anthem. It is disrespectful for the country and the people who died fighting for it.