Skip to content

Wade on shooting during Canadian anthem: 'I'm not a disrespectful person'

Rob Foldy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade upset quite a few people prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old All-Star was seen hoisting up jumpers as the Canadian national anthem was being sung at the American Airlines Arena.

When asked on Sunday about his actions, Wade defended himself and his character to those who believe he was choosing to ignore "O Canada."

"If anyone thinks I was being disrespectful, they don't know who Dwyane Wade is," Wade said.

"I understand whatever's said about it, but I'm not a disrespectful person." He then pointed out that the rearranging of the order of the anthems threw him off, according to Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post.

The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds notes that Wade also likes to make his final shot before getting in line alongside his teammates for anthems, which explains why he continued his routine after bricking several attempts in a row.

Wade poured in 38 points on 13-of-25 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out four assists as the Heat lost 95-91, going down 2-1 in the series.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox