ding cuts Ferguson backs Infantino Infantino reveals 90-day plan Evidence offered against Blatter

MIAMI -- A woman performing the national anthem before an NBA preseason game in Miami on Friday night did so while kneeling at midcourt, and opening her jacket to show a shirt with the phrase Black Lives Matter.The singer was identified by the Heat as Denasia Lawrence. It was unclear if she remained in the arena after the performance, and messages left for her were not immediately returned.Heat players and coaches stood side-by-side for the anthem, all with their arms linked as has been their custom during the preseason. Many had their heads down as Lawrence sang, and the team released a statement saying it had no advance knowledge that she planned to kneel.We felt as a basketball team that we would do something united, so that was our focus, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Throughout all of this, I think the most important thing that has come out is the very poignant, thoughtful dialogue. Weve had great dialogue within our walls here and hopefully this will lead to action.The anthem issue has been a major topic in the sports world in recent months, starting with the decision by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to not stand for its playing. Kaepernick cited racial injustice and police brutality among the reasons for his protest, and athletes from many sports -- and many levels, from youth all the way to professional -- have followed his lead in various ways.All I can say is what weve seen in multiple preseason games so far is our players standing for the national anthem, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in New York earlier Friday, at a news conference following the leagues board of governors meetings. It would be my hope that they would continue to stand for the national anthem. I think that is the appropriate thing to do.The NBA has a rule calling for players and coaches to stand during the anthem.Heat guard Wayne Ellington often speaks about the need to curb gun violence, after his father was shot and killed two years ago. He had his eyes closed for most of the anthem Friday, as per his own custom, though was aware of Lawrences actions.At the end of the day, to each his own, Ellington said. If she feels like thats the way she wants to stand for it, then more power to her.Making a statement in the manner that Lawrence did Friday is rare, but not unheard of in recent weeks.When the Sacramento Kings played their first home preseason game earlier this month, anthem singer Leah Tysse dropped to one knee as she finished singing the song.Tysse is white. Lawrence is black.I love and honor my country as deeply as anyone yet it is my responsibility as an American to speak up against injustice as it affects my fellow Americans, Tysse wrote on Facebook. I have sung the anthem before but this time taking a knee felt like the most patriotic thing I could do. I cannot idly stand by as black people are unlawfully profiled, harassed and killed by our law enforcement over and over and without a drop of accountability. John Cominsky Womens Jersey . Haas said he "felt a lot of pain" in his right shoulder when he slammed his racket to the ground in frustration after losing his serve at 3-3 in the first set. Qadree Ollison Jersey . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. http://www.thefaclonsshoponline.com/Youth-Tony-Gonzalez-Falcons-Jersey/ . The All-Pro lineman got the leg bent under him while trying to make a tackle during the first half of a 22-20 overtime loss at Miami on Thursday night. 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Sexwale, one of the richest men in Africa, had previously told Sky Sports News HQ that he was not planning on quitting on Friday, but said: What happens to me will be Africas decision.But after CAFs decision, he confirmed he had written a letter to the governing body saying he did not want to be considered for their backing anyway.Sexwales campaign had failed to build up any momentum in Africa and it was always likely the CAF would endorse Sheikh Salman of Bahrain at the meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. Candidate Tokyo Sexwale outlines the reasons why he is standing for the FIFA presidency And Salman, however, can count on receiving all 54 African votes at the election in Zurich on February 26.ddddddddddddt is significant that, as president of the Asian Football Confederation, Sheikh Salman signed a memorandum of understanding with CAF last month.CAF president Issa Hayatou said: If we decide to support Salman is it a crime? Who can prevent us from doing this?Sexwale, Sheikh Salman, Gianni Infantino and Jerome Champagne all attended Fridays meeting. The only candidate not expected to appear was Prince Ali of Jordan. Also See: Prince Ali critical of FIFA funding cuts Ferguson backs Infantino Infantino reveals 90-day plan Evidence offered against Blatter