Singer Jason Brock has addressed the criticism he received for waving a Pride flag while performing the national anthem at a recent Golden State Warriors game. The incident occurred during the team's Pride Night event.
Brock, who sang the anthem prior to the Warriors' game against Miami, unfurled a small Pride flag as he reached the lyrics "What so proudly we hailed..." and waved it. The crowd's reaction was described as diluted, with cameras capturing several Warriors players appearing to laugh.
Responding to the controversy via X, Brock stated, "Wow I didn’t interpret it like this, but I wasn’t watching the players. Just because they were laughing doesn’t mean it was because of the anthem." He added that while he wasn't watching the players' reactions, their laughter didn't necessarily stem from his actions.
The publication highlighted previous instances of athletes and teams facing scrutiny over anthem protocols, referencing a WNBA Finals situation where teams reportedly left the court before the anthem. The author expressed a sentiment that the national anthem should be performed without activism or "causes" hijacking the moment, emphasizing a desire for a "normal, respectful national anthem."