Adam Silver Says NBA and NFL's National Anthem Situation Is 'Far Different'

While the NBA requires players to stand for the national anthem in its official rules, commissioner Adam Silver believes the situation is far different from that of the NFL, per Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post.

Silver also noted there are no plans to change the current policy, per Bontemps.

As he explained, the rule on the books predates both himself and David Stern as commissioners:

"It's been a different dialogue in the NBA than it's been in the NFL," he added. "Our emphasis, at least, has been on constructive activities in our communities."

Silver also noted only about three-quarters of the league is comprised of Americans. 

The NFL recently adjusted its policy to require players to stand for the national anthem if they are on the field. Players are allowed to remain in the locker room if they choose.

There were no official rules preventing players from kneeling during the national anthem before Colin Kaepernick began his protest against racial injustice in 2016. However, the league made the changes this month in an effort to "show respect for the anthem."

"It's idiotic," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of the NFL's changes, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

With NBA players showing no interest in protesting during the national anthem so far, however, the league doesn't seem to have any reason to make changes.