As of Wednesday, a new law in Texas requires pro sports teams in the state to play the national anthem before every game.
- The bill is a direct response to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's decision to yank the national anthem from pregame ceremonies at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.
- Back in February, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued a statement slamming the Mavs for pulling the anthem, calling it a "slap in the face to every American."
- Under the new law, teams that receive public funds and refuse to play the anthem will be forced to repay the government funds they received, which according to some media reports could total "millions of dollars."
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