Dwyane Wade apologizes for warming up during Canadian national anthem

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade issued an apology Monday for continuing to shoot during the Canadian national anthem before his team’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

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Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade issued an apology Monday for continuing to shoot during the Canadian national anthem before his team’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday.

Wade made headlines when he was seen shooting after “O Canada” began to play at American Airlines Arena, finishing out his warm up routine while the rest of the players had already lined up.

The move drew criticism from many, including Canadian politicians, and Wade responded by saying that a timing issue caused the mishap.

After the Miami’s 94–87 win Monday, Wade officially said that he was sorry for the first time. 

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“No disrespect at all from me,” Wade said via the Associated Press. “I apologize for Canada thinking I would disrespect them as a country. So today, I just adjusted how I normally get ready for a game and got in the line first.

“I have so much respect for the Toronto Raptors, obviously, and I have respect for the country of Canada. So I didn‘t mean any disrespect.”

Wade was the top scorer in the win Monday, scoring 30 points.