Now that the furor over Denver Nugget's guard Mahmoud Abdul Rauf's refusal to stand for the National Anthem has been defused and for the moment resolved, a bigger question must be asked: Is the National Anthem really necessary and respectfully right at sporting events?

Fan reaction to Rauf's actions and statements were reflective of one's personal beliefs on individuality, religion, constitutional rights and a sense of what's right and wrong. Putting that aside, as a society, have we not denigrated and trivialized our National Anthem by making it an obligatory "thrown in" part of a sports event? Television networks dictate when it will be played so they can be sure they're away making money. Those who sing it use it as a personal platform for their own interpretations and exposure. I've been at ball games where you could celebrate a birthday waiting for the end of the Anthem. And, in a country where less than 50% of the population use their constitutional right to vote, there's little nationalistic fervor and emotion when it's played before a game.

The answer is simple. Do away with it except before international competitions, when it means something. If you really want to keep it, play it before a big event like the Super Bowl or the World Series. But let's stop being hypocritical. Let's make our National Anthem special. The way to do that is to play it at special times and on special occasions. One other requirement: Whomever performs the Anthem has to do it in a straightforward, respectful manner. One befitting of the Anthem's meaning.

Having said the above, the reality is sports will never do it. Why? The tradition has turned into an obligation and expectation. Pro leagues want positive P.R. and if fans express a displeasure over a decision to drop the National Anthem, that creates negative P.R. And negative P.R. makes advertisers nervous that fans will carry their displeasure to the marketplace. On the college level, drop the Anthem and some deep pocketed alum will say, "No Anthem, no check."

The bottom line is it's all about money. There's nothing wrong with that, but let's not beat up on Mahmoud Abdul Rauf for putting his mouth where his money is when others continue a tradition only because it pays well.

I'm Ron Barr.