Dion Waiters Denies Report About Missing National Anthem for Religious Reasons

Dion Waiters has denied reports that he missed Wednesday night's national anthem due to religious reasons.

Updates from Saturday, Nov. 8

Waiters Denies Report About Missing Anthem for Religious Reasons

Waiters took to Twitter to dispute the reports about why he was absent during Wednesday's national anthem against the Utah Jazz:

"

Lol I wasn't going to even say anything about the situation but whoever made that up about me & the national anthem is a damn lie....

— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 8, 2014"

"

I can't believe yall believe everything yall hear smh I guess ppl listen to anything now a days!!! I love everything about America!!!!!!!

— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 8, 2014"

"

I'm not here to entertain nobody but come on now I'm always out there for the national anthem if they gone write BS make sure it's correct.

— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 8, 2014"

"

I'm logging back off but the media need something to tlk about smh I just had to address the problem... Dnt believe that BS!!! ✌️

— Dionwaiters3 (@dionwaiters3) November 8, 2014"

ESPN's Dave McMenamin confirmed Waiters was not on the floor for the national anthem on Wednesday before there was any sort of discrepancy as to why he wasn't present:

Waiters was on the floor for the anthem before Friday night's game against the Nuggets.

Updates from Friday, Nov. 7

Dion Waiters Claims Anthem Absence Due to Religious Beliefs

When Dion Waiters was absent on the Cleveland Cavaliers bench prior to Wednesday night's game against the Utah Jazz, many fans wondered if something was wrong. On Friday night, Waiters clarified the reason for said absence: He observed his Muslim beliefs.

"It's because of my religion," Waiters revealed, per Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. "That's why I stayed in the locker room."

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Haynes added that Waiters "is rededicating himself more to his Muslim faith" and "appears to be in a happier state."

The 22-year-old came off the bench to play 13 minutes in what was a 102-100 loss to the Jazz. He scored five points on 1-of-2 shooting.

Heading into Friday night's game against the Denver Nuggets, Waiters is averaging 7.5 points, one assist and one rebound per game.