Dion Waiters skipping national anthems because of religion

In accordance with his religious beliefs, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters will excuse himself from national anthems going forward.

Waiters, who is rededicating himself to his Muslim faith, told Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group that he plans to wait in the locker room and refrain from national anthems going forward. 

"It's because of my religion," Waiters said. "That's why I stayed in the locker room."

Waiters did not attend the national anthem during the Cavaliers' game Wednesday against the Utah Jazz.