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Dwyane Wade explains Canada anthem flap, apologizes

By The Sports Xchange
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) warms up before a game on January 3, 2016. Photo by Mark Goldman/UPI
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) warms up before a game on January 3, 2016. Photo by Mark Goldman/UPI | License Photo

Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to a 94-87 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night, but he received some heat for something he did before Game 4 in Miami.

As the players lined up for the playing of "O Canada" during the pregame, Wade was at the basket putting up a few extra warmup shots for about 20 seconds after the anthem started. For that, he received plenty of criticism from a number for corners, including Toronto mayor John Tory.

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Wade apologized Tuesday, saying he didn't mean to offend anyone, after he scored 30 points to lead Miami to the series-tying win.

"No disrespect at all from me," Wade said. "I apologize for Canada thinking I would disrespect them as a country. So today, I just adjusted how I normally get ready for a game and got in the line first.

"I have so much respect for the Toronto Raptors, obviously, and I have respect for the country of Canada. So I didn't mean any disrespect."

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The NBA contacted the Heat and requested that the team ensure there is enough time for the anthem performances when a Canadian team is visiting Miami.

The series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 on Wednesday night in Toronto.

Heat center Hassan Whiteside, who has a knee injury, did not travel with Miami for the game in Toronto. He missed Game 4 with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

Whiteside, the Heat's leading rebounder in the postseason, sustained the injury in Game 3. He is considered day to day.

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