Miami Heat coach unsure how Toronto will greet Dwyane Wade after anthem faux pas | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Miami Heat coach unsure how Toronto will greet Dwyane Wade after anthem faux pas

Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) blocks a shot by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3), during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA second-round playoff basketball series in Miami on May 7, 2016. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra says he's not sure what kind of reception Heat star Dwyane Wade will get in Toronto on Wednesday after his weekend anthem faux pas.Wade drew fire after continuing his pre-game shooting routine as "O Canada" played prior to Game 3 in Miami on Saturday. He later explained he meant no disrespect, he was just having difficulties completing his routine of a layup or dunk and then a 15-foot bank shot. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Alan Diaz

TORONTO - Miami coach Erik Spoelstra says he's not sure what kind of reception Heat star Dwyane Wade will get in Toronto on Wednesday after his weekend anthem faux pas.

Wade drew fire after continuing his pre-game shooting routine as "O Canada" played prior to Game 3 in Miami on Saturday. He later explained he meant no disrespect, he was just having difficulties completing his routine of a layup or dunk and then a 15-foot bank shot.

Asked Tuesday how the Air Canada Centre crowd will respond to Wade, Spoelstra told a media conference call he wasn't sure.

"I don't know. But I know Dwyane. I know he's what you want out of a professional and he's very respectful," said Spoelstra. "We saw how it was misinterpreted and then we all made a change (Monday) and will continue to do that. But we were all out there (Monday) early. All the players including the staff. I think it was just a misinterpretation."

Wade's late arrival for the anthem drew criticism on Twitter from Toronto Mayor John Tory, among others.

Wade apologized after Game 4 Monday, saying he has adjusted his pre-game routine.

"No disrespect at all from me," he said. "I apologize for Canada thinking that I would disrespect them as a country."

"I have so much respect for the Toronto Raptors, obviously, and I have respect for the country of Canada," he added.

The Heat veteran was one of the first to line up for the Canadian anthem on Monday.

The Eastern Conference semifinal is tied at two games apiece.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016
The Canadian Press

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