Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy stands by himself in the tunnel prior to games instead of being on the court during the National Anthem.

For the past two seasons, Roy has left the court before "The Star Spangled Banner" is performed.

Some fans have asked the Oregonian's John Canzano whether Roy is making a political statement, but Portland's star says he is not.

Roy, who says that he loves America, never really thought anything of it.

"It's not me doing some (star-treatment) thing," Roy said, "Kobe Bryant is out there for the anthem. It's just something I've done for the last two years to have a quiet moment to myself."