Dwyane Wade apologizes for Canadian national anthem controversy

For the second time in two days, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade said he meant no disrespect by taking warmup shots during the playing of the Canadian national anthem during Saturday’s playoff game against the Toronto Raptors.

But this time, he offered something that he hadn’t a day earlier -- an apology.

“No disrespect at all from me,� Wade said Monday night after the Heat beat the Raptors, 94-87, to even the series at two wins each. “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.�

Wade normally takes his warmup shots right up until -- and then after -- the singing of the national anthem but said he was thrown off when the music started early because both countries’ anthems needed to be played.

“It’s something that I do before every game that I prepare for, and I’ve been doing it my whole career,� Wade told reporters Sunday after practice. “So I understand whatever is said from that standpoint, but I’m not a disrespectful person. So if anybody thinks I’m being disrespectful towards a country, then they have no idea of who Dwyane Wade is.�

Wade scored 30 points during Miami’s comeback victory on Monday.