Philadelphia 76ers apologize over anthem singer snub
APOLOGY. The Philadelphia 76ers offer an apology to singer Sevyn Streeter after barring her from performing the national anthem at the team's season opener over her 'We Matter' jersey. Chris Weeks/Getty Images for NYLON/AFP
WASHINGTON, USA – The Philadelphia 76ers offered an apology Friday, October 28 (Saturday in Manila) to singer Sevyn Streeter after barring her from performing the national anthem at Wednesday's season opener over her "We Matter" jersey – a reference to the Black Lives Matter movement.
"We are sorry that this happened," the NBA team said in a statement on Friday.
"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 her to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back."
Streeter had tweeted on Wednesday night that the team booted her from the performance minutes before she was set to sing.
"Was suppose to sing the anthem at @sixers & @okcthunder game but mins b4 @sixers said I couldn't because I was wearing a "We Matter" jersey," she posted.
The "We Matter" phrase refers to the "Black Lives Matter" movement that has sprung up in protest of the deaths of black men at the hands of police.
The traditional playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" before US sports events has become a controversial focus of protests over racial inequality and police brutality since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision not to stand for the anthem.
He has been joined by a scattering of other NFL players and some players in other leagues. An anthem singer at an NBA pre-season game in Miami knelt while performing. – Rappler.com
