Singer Justine Skye kneels during national anthem at Brooklyn Nets game
NEW YORK -- The national anthem singer at the Brooklyn Nets' home opener took a knee at the end of her performance.
Justine Skye was nearing the completion of the song Friday night when she went to one knee for the finish. There were some cheers, but appeared to be more boos from the crowd at Barclays Center to see the Nets play the Orlando Magic.
NBA players have continued to stand during the playing of the anthems, as required by league rule.
NFL players have been taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality. Last month, President Trump weighed in on the controversy, saying in a speech in Alabama that he would fire anyone who did not stand for the anthem. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week "we believe everyone should stand for the national anthem," but he said they would not be making an official rule.
"Our players will state to you publicly they are not doing this in any way to be disrespectful to the flag," Goodell said. He said the league is "not looking to get into politics, but what we're looking to do is to continue to give people a focus on football."