Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player, Dion Waiters, was absent during a pre-game presentation, including the singing of the national anthem. Reports attributed his absence to his religious beliefs.

When asked by Cleveland.com, Waiters attributed his refusal to his religious beliefs:

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Waiters informed Northeast Ohio Media Group that he is a Muslim and that he plans to excuse himself prior to the national anthem from here on out.

“It’s because of my religion,” Waiters told NEOMG. “That’s why I stayed in the locker room.”

Waiters says he is rededicating himself more to his Muslim faith. He appears to be in a happier state.

After causing a firestorm of controversy, Waiters took to Twitter saying the report was a “damn lie.”

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