MIAMI , United States (AFP) — Miami star Dwyane Wade insisted Tuesday he had meant no disrespect by continuing his warm-up during the playing of the Canadian national anthem ahead of the Heat’s playoff game against the Toronto Raptors.
Wade sparked an angry backlash after images emerged of him shooting baskets while the anthem “O Canada” played ahead of Game 3 in Miami on Saturday.
“No disrespect at all from me,” Wade said. “I apologize for Canada thinking I would disrespect them as a country.
“I have so much respect for the Toronto Raptors, obviously, and I have respect for the country of Canada. So I didn’t mean any disrespect.”
Wade had drawn ire across social media for the apparent snub, with Toronto mayor John Tory leading a chorus of criticism.
“Hey @DwyaneWade a Canadian invented the game. Respect the anthem,” Tory wrote on Twitter.
The NBA has contacted the Heat to ensure teams are given adequate time for anthem performances during the next game in Miami.
The best-of-seven series is tied at 2-2 with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.
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