Muslim NBA Player Refuses To Stand For National Anthem For THIS Disgusting Reason According to recent reports, Dion Waiters, an NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, was noticeably absent while the national anthem was being sun before a game against the Utah Jazz. Waiters claims that he was absent because he is Muslim, and is acting in accordance with his religious beliefs. Religion aside, many fell that it is disturbing that Waiters would shirk the American tradition. Waiters informed the Northeast Ohio Media Group that he has been given special permission to excuse himself prior to the singing. Its because of my religion, Waiters told NEOMG. Thats why I stayed in the locker room. What do you think of Waiters actions? Should he be forced to participate? 