Lawmaker Wants National Anthem Played Before Sports In Wisconsin

MADISON, WI — State Sen. Patrick Testin wants the national anthem played before any sporting event held at a venue that was built using tax dollars, according to a report from The Associated Press.

The Republican lawmaker on Thursday introduced a bill in the state Legislature calling for the mandate after Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban temporarily ended the practice of playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before home the team's home games.

“Hearing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at a sporting event reminds us that despite our differences, we have something in common — we are Americans,” Testin said in a statement. “This tradition traces its roots back more than a century – even pre-dating the song’s adoption as the national anthem. It’s a practice that unites us, and I believe it’s worth preserving.”

The bill does not include any penalty for what would happen if a venue failed to play then anthem, the AP reported.

Adopted as the nation’s song in 1931, the anthem was performed before sporting events as early as 1918. It eventually became a regular occurrence after World War II when the NFL required it sung before games, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Visit the AP’s website to read more about Testin’s bill.