Stephen A. Smith rips ‘false’ criticism of Spurs over national anthem

Jun 5, 2026 - 00:15

Controversial ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith does not believe any of the criticism the San Antonio Spurs have received prior to the start of Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks has any validity. Some observers took to social media claiming that the Spurs were “disrespectful” during the singing of The Star Spangled Banner because they did not put their hands over their hearts.

This is patently false. 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… https://t.co/zGVOTHKNlR
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 4, 2026

Smith was accurate in his assessment that not all athletes stand with their hands over their hearts during the anthem. The large majority of athletes in the four major North American sports — including the NBA — stand with their arms at their sides during the playing of the National Anthem.

“This is patently false,” Smith said. “There are plenty of people who listen to the National 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.

The Minnesota Viking of the NFL were known for their respectful posture (35-second mark) when Bud Grant was the head coach from 1967 through 1983, but there are no requirements for players to place their hands over their hearts during the anthem.

As the camera perused the Spurs prior to taking on the Knicks, 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. That included head coach Mitch Johnson, who had his eyes closed and appeared to be in silent prayer during the final notes of the anthem.

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