Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters was not present for the national anthem on Wednesday before his team faced the Utah Jazz. While some speculated that Waiters was showing his displeasure with his role on the team, he later revealed that he decided to remain in the locker room for the national anthem because of his religion. Or did he?
Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group included a direct quote from Waiters in a story he published on Friday.
“It’s because of my religion,” Waiters told NEOMG. “That’s why I stayed in the locker room.”
Waiters says he is rededicating himself more to his Muslim faith. He appears to be in a happier state.
Either Waiters was completely and irresponsibly misquoted, or he regrets what he said and is now trying to backpedal.
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
Would Haynes have fabricated a quote from Waiters and then printed it? We highly doubt it.
Waiters has become a distraction for the Cavs in more ways than one. You have to wonder if he will remain with the team for the entire season.
