The Philadelphia 76ers apologized Friday to singer Sevyn Streeter for not allowing her to sing the national anthem at Wednesday’s home opener after she wore a “We Matter” shirt.
“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,” the organization said in a statement.
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Streeter, who was scheduled to sing the national anthem before the NBA team’s first game of the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, was told she couldn’t wear her “We Matter” jersey while singing. She then posted a video online detailing what happened and voiced concerns about the decision.
Athletic arenas have become venues for protesting racial inequality as athletes have joined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the national anthem.
The 76ers said Friday that they have offered Streeter the chance to come back and perform at another game. “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,” the organization said.
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