Spurs anthem – Stephen A. Smith dismissed social media backlash aimed at the San Antonio Spurs during the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner before Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, saying holding a hand over the heart is not a requirement and that the S
For Stephen A. Smith, the uproar came and went in the time it took people to replay a camera shot—then argue about what the San Antonio Spurs “should” have done.
Smith says the criticism Spurs received prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks has no validity. Some observers posted on social media claiming the Spurs were “disrespectful” during The Star Spangled Banner because they did not put their hands over their hearts.
Smith’s response was blunt: “This is patently false,” he said. “There are plenty of people who listen to the Nat’l Anthem and simply bow their heads with their hands in front of them or behind their backs and pay respects. Holding your hand over your heart is not a requirement. The Spurs were not being disrespectful in anyway.”.
His point, as he framed it, wasn’t about approval—it was about the standard being invented by critics. Smith agreed with a broader reality that not all athletes place their hand over their heart during the anthem. He pointed out that a large majority of athletes in the four major North American sports. including the NBA. stand with their arms at their sides during the National Anthem.
Smith also reached back to the NFL to show the posture argument didn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. He referenced the Minnesota Vikings being known for a respectful posture when Bud Grant was head coach from 1967 through 1983. while emphasizing that there are no requirements for players to place their hands over their hearts during the anthem.
As the cameras moved over the Spurs before they took on the Knicks, the image Smith pointed to was specific. Center Victor Wembanyama stood with his arms crossed in front of him. The majority of his teammates stood with their arms at their sides and were looking down at the floor. Head coach Mitch Johnson had his eyes closed and appeared to be in silent prayer during the final notes of the anthem.
Taken together, Smith’s message was clear: the criticism may be loud, but he says the premise behind it doesn’t hold up. In his view, multiple respectful forms of observance exist, and the Spurs’ stance during the anthem didn’t cross any line.
The final notes have already passed in Game 1’s buildup. What remains, Smith insists, is the argument itself—and the insistence that critics are taking a tradition and turning it into a requirement that simply isn’t there.
Stephen A. Smith Spurs San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals New York Knicks national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Victor Wembanyama Mitch Johnson
So they didn’t cover their hearts and people lost their minds… but wasn’t that the whole point? Hand over heart police is wild.
I don’t even think it matters like everyone acts. If they were respectful who cares if Wemby had his arms crossed or whatever. People are just looking for a reason to be mad.
Wait so Stephen A says it’s patently false but the article also says cameras show they had arms crossed and eyes closed? That doesn’t sound like “not disrespectful” lol. Like how do you know what they were thinking, Stephen? Also why bring up the Vikings like that’s related?
Honestly it’s always the same. Someone posts a replay, then everybody believes it instantly. Like maybe they weren’t even doing anything wrong, but the internet turns it into a whole culture war in like 2 minutes. Hand over heart isn’t a law right? Then stop acting like it is. But also I feel like the NBA should just do the normal thing so nobody complains… idk.