No National Anthem At Sporting Events?

Why do we sing the Star Spangled Banner before all sporting events in America?  Is it a law?  A tradition?  Do we all just really, really want to hear it?  There are some people who would like to have it removed from non-international competitions all together.  Check out the story, and let us know what you think below.

National columnist Kevin Blackistone recently wrote an article for fanhouse.com stating that the National Anthem should be banned from sporting events.  He points out:

Truth is, so-called or codified national patriotic songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the sports menu aren't about patriotism as much as they are about commercialism and public relations. "The Banner" in particular has become a custom in all sports for no reason other than someone made it custom, most notably President Wilson who during World War I ordered it played at all military events. Next thing anyone knew, it was at every sporting event, too.

To be honest, I have no idea why we sing the National Anthem at a sporting event.  I do know that I LOVE the fact that we sing it though.  I still get chills standing in a high school gym, hearing a student belt out the anthem with the entire crowd.  It might be one of the few moments where everyone in the room is taking pride in where they are from, instead of thinking about why they don't like it.

What do you think?  Should the Anthem be banned?