It would probably be in the best interest of Spartan athletes to continue facing the U.S. flag during the National Anthem, MSU Athletics Director Ron Mason said.

His caveat comes after spectators and media have paid increased attention to the actions of a woman's basketball player at New York's Manhattanville College.

Senior forward Toni Smith turns her body 90 degrees away from the flag during the anthem of every game.

Smith said she turns her back to the flag because the "(U.S.) government's priorities are not on bettering the quality of life for all of its people, but rather on expanding its own power.''

But Mason said some things are assumed with being on a sports team.

"I would not recommend that any player at Michigan State do that," said Mason, of Smith's controversial choice. "What would we do about it? I don't know."

For more on this story please see Friday's edition of The State News.