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Philadelphia 76ers apologize for cancelling Sevyn Streeter's National Anthem performance

By The Sports Xchange
Singer Sevyn Streeter wore a "We Matter" t-shirt to sing the National Anthem, and the 76ers canceled. They're now apologizing File photo by Christine Chew/UPI
Singer Sevyn Streeter wore a "We Matter" t-shirt to sing the National Anthem, and the 76ers canceled. They're now apologizing File photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo

The Philadelphia 76ers issued an apology to singer Sevyn Streeter on Friday after the team canceled her national anthem performance for wearing a "We Matter" jersey.

"We are sorry that this happened. After receiving feedback from our players, basketball operations staff and ownership group, we believe that the wrong decision was made, and Sevyn should have been welcomed to sing," the team said in a statement.

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"We apologize to her, and in an effort to move the conversation forward, we have reached out to offer her an opportunity to return and perform at a game of her choice. We are waiting to hear back."

The 76ers backtracked from their original stance when they told the R&B singer she could not perform the anthem before Wednesday night's season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of the slogan on her jersey.

"I'd say two minutes before we were about to walk out ... the organization told me that I could not wear my shirt while singing the national anthem at their game," Streeter said in an interview by phone with the Associated Press later Wednesday night. "I was never given any kind of dress code. I was never asked beforehand to show my wardrobe."

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A source told ESPN that any on-court performer must sign a contract that gives the 76ers the right to cancel a performance if the standards described in the contract are not met. The Sixers declined to say why Streeter's performance was canceled, but according to a report by CBS Philly, the contract prohibited political statements. The 76ers offered Streeter an alternate shirt and song but she refused, the report said.

A team representative met with 76ers players Thursday to explain what happened. Multiple players were upset by what they were told, ESPN's Jeff Goodman reported.

Streeter, born Amber Denise Streeter, has written songs for Chris Brown, Ariana Grande and other stars.

"I was angry -- extremely, extremely angry -- and disappointed and honestly brought to tears by all of it. It broke my heart," Streeter told the AP. "Honestly, I was very excited about being able to perform the national anthem. I was really looking forward to that.

"I also felt it was important to express the ongoing challenges and ongoing injustice we face as a black community within the United States of America -- that's very important to me. Yes, we live in the greatest country in the world, but there are issues that we cannot ignore. This can't be ignored."

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The national anthem has been a focal point in the sports world since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick decided not to stand during games this season, citing racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest. Other athletes have followed his lead in various ways.

The Sixers play at home against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday afternoon.

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