Colby Covington rips Mark Cuban for removing national anthem from Dallas Mavericks games

Colby Covington isn’t fond of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban’s recent decision to remove the national anthem from playing before the team’s home games.

In a tweet Wednesday, the former UFC welterweight title challenger Covington (16-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) ripped Cuban, as well as the NBA for allowing the change. Covington also criticized the league’s social justice initiative from the 2019-2020 season that allowed players to have social justice messages and phrases spelled out on the backs of their jerseys.

“Can’t play The National Anthem and can’t say FREE Hong Kong, but you could customize the back of your official @dallasmavs jersey ALL summer long to say: ‘KillCops.’” Covington wrote. “@markcuban and the @NBA are absolute trash.”

Cuban, who’s owned the Dallas NBA franchise since 2000, made the call prior to the season’s start. The Mavericks have not played the anthem during their 12 home games this regular season. However, the change became publicly known Monday after the team hosted its first game of the season with limited fans in attendance.

The anthem will remain absent from Mavericks games for at least the remainder of this season, if not longer, Cuban confirmed Tuesday to USA TODAY Sports.

Can’t play The National Anthem and can’t say FREE Hong Kong, but you could customize the back of your official @DallasMavs jersey ALL summer long to say: “KillCops.” @MarkCuban and the @NBA are absolute trash. https://t.co/rgwb3EjDtz

— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) February 10, 2021

The UFC, which Covington has fought for since 2014, does not play the national anthem before its events and has made only one exception – UFC 33, which took place 17 days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Wednesday’s tweet is not the first time Covington has criticized the NBA. In August 2020, Covington ripped the league’s decision to postpone games as players protested the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

Covington, 32, has been a vocal supporter of police and the U.S. military, making frequent visits to stations and bases.

A former interim UFC welterweight champion, Covington has not shied away from the political spotlight during his ascent up the UFC ranks. He was a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump during his four years in office and frequented campaign events. Covington also became the first UFC fighter to bring a title belt to the White House.