Star-Spangled Banner
Filed under Mavericks
§171. Conduct during playing
During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there.
Here's something you probably don't know about the Mavericks unless you go see them live. Ever since Coach Avery Johnson took over at the end of last season, the Mavericks all stand with their right hand over their heart during the performance of the "Star-Spangled Banner" before every game.
This is what you are *supposed* to do, but I've never seen NBA players (except former Navy guy David Robinson) ever do it. Normally, you see players standing with their hands behind their back as if it is beneath them to put their right hand on their heart the way we learned in kindergarten.
I'm going to the first two games of the Finals...I'll try to get a picture of the players during the "Star-Spangled Banner" (I'll use my free left hand to take the picture!). I bet you won't see the Miami Heat with their right hands across their hearts!