Sixers Players Don't Protest National Anthem As Rumored
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Opening week for the Philadelphia 76ers has been overshadowed by several controversies involving the performance of the national anthem.
But rumors of an anthem protest by players during Saturday afternoon's game against the Atlanta Hawks proved to be unfounded.
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Sixers management faced controversy earlier this week during Wednesday's season opener against the Oklahoma Thunder. R&B recording artist Sevyn Streeter took to social media to explain the team pulled her performance at the last minute.
"I'm at the 76ers game to sing the national anthem and the organization is telling me that I can't because I'm wearing a 'We Matter' jersey," she said in a quick clip posted to her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Streeter was replaced by a member of the Sixers dance team.
At first, the 76ers issued a vague statement in response, but after speaking with players, the team apologized to the singer in this statement Friday:
"We are sorry that this happened. After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing. We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back."
Most fans CBS 3 spoke to at Saturday's game said Streeter should have been allowed to perform.
"Freedom of speech, you should be able to say what you want to say and you shouldn't be punished for having an opinion on something regardless of what it is," said Paul Parmet of Philadelphia.
"She wasn't making a huge deal about it, it was just a shirt, really," adds Breezy Gordon of Pittsburgh. "It was a statement. I'm wearing a 76ers jersey because I'm supporting my team. She was kind of supporting herself and her people and all of us."
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Season ticket holder Robert Tyson said he agreed with the singer's message, but that it was the wrong venue to express it:
"It does draw a distraction to the game itself, but I think the message behind it was important. I think it just should be told a different way."
Streeter has not yet responded to the Sixers or commented on social media about the team's offer to come back and perform.