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Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: “After the anthem fiasco, no team wanted to touch me”

February 4, 2010 @ 6:33 am by Jorge Sierra · Filed under Dale Ellis, David Benoit, Denver Nuggets, Dikembe Mutombo, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Seattle SuperSonics

How did you end up playing in Japan?

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: I know coach (David) Benoit. I didn’t even know he was coaching in Japan. He knew I was interested in playing. So coach knowing me and me knowing him, it was just a perfect match. He was interested in bringing me in, I was interested in playing… And he made the deal happen.

How big is basketball there?

MAR: They are definitely trying to build something good here as far as basketball. The fans really seem to be excited about it. At the same time, they are not as emotional as in college or some European teams. They leave you more room. They seem to understand the fluctuations of the game, that there’s going to be some high and lows in it. That’s a beautiful thing. (Basketball) seems to be growing. They seem to be putting a lot of energy and focus in building something over the next few years. They are always doing something as far as promotion. I think, in time, this is going to be something big. Right now, we get nice crowds. Nice response.

You’re 40 already. Do you have any plans to stop in the near future?

MAR: As long as God gives me the ability to play and I have the desire to play – whichever goes first – I’m going to play.

You still have the passion.

MAR: I still have it. I still love to compete. And I know when to say, “Enough.” I still have the ability to play on the top level. So I’m going to enjoy it as long as I can. And then, after that, go into some type of coaching.

Do you know of any other athlete having a successful career in sports while dealing with Tourette syndrome like you have?

MAR: He’s not playing anymore, but I think there was a guy in baseball called Eisenreich. I think there’s a soccer player overseas that has Tourette syndrome also.

What are the best memories of your time in the NBA?

MAR: When I was getting minutes (laughs). When I was playing. We have a great run in Denver. In Denver, I spent six years and I had great teammates, man. LaPhonso Ellis, Dikembe Mutombo, Dale Ellis, Bryant Stith… A lot of guys came through and we had three years straight when we were able to go to the playoffs and beat the No. 1 seed Seattle SuperSonics in the first round, or take the Utah Jazz to Game 5 in Utah. Those were the highlights for me.

What do you think is the perception NBA fans have of you after all the controversy about the anthem?

MAR: You’re gonna have people that focus on the basketball aspect and appreciate my abilities and you’re going to have some that focus on what they perceive is the negative – the national anthem, the interviews and anything I did that didn’t coincide with their views. For me, really, I don’t care about that. As long as I can I can say I went out and did the best I could and stayed true to my heart and my conscience, that’s something I can deal with.

But I will tell you this… When I’m on the streets, it’s a difference from what the media says as far as me being a troublemaker because of the anthem. When I’m walking on the streets, the response I get is different. When it’s all said and done, people on the street know or got a sense about how certain people are. And I get a lot of people that come to me and say, “Man, you had a lot of game” or “You could play” or “Man, they gave you a raw deal” or “Thank you for doing what you did and standing up!” I get that a lot more than the negative. At the end of the day, people are going to have their opinions. You know what they say about opinions? (laughs) It’s like a-holes, everybody’s got one.

What happened in the offseason of 1998-99? Did you receive offers to keep on playing in the NBA?

MAR: Oooh, man, that’s a long, long time. I will tell you this… After the national anthem fiasco, nobody really wanted to touch me. Then there was the HBO interview with Bryant Gumbel. After that, it was like it killed everything. Because that was after September 11. I could not even get an invitation to go try out with a team. I just laid low, stayed at home, spent more time with my family, trying to do things in the community and see if eventually I could get back into it. At the end, I said… Man, I still have a love for this thing and there’s got to be somebody out there that wants to give me a chance to play. And that’s why I have been overseas and have been ever since.

Would you do anything differently if you could go back in time?

MAR: To me, it is what it is. And as long as whatever I’m going through, if it can make me a better person, I wouldn’t change it. Because I went through if for a reason – to get where I’m at now. I wouldn’t change anything. I think I’ve become a better person because of it.

How did you make your mind one day that you were not going to stand during the national anthem?

MAR: That was gradual process. It came through my reading. I began to read more, I began to think about issues more. And the more I read and the more I thought, I said… What am I doing this? I don’t want to be like some type of robot, just doing things because other people are doing it. I began to question, why am I doing what I do? Do I believe that this is the right thing to do? So I came to this decision. I said, “No.” There were a lot of things that I disagree with and if I’m going to be true to myself, I have to begin to act like it and not just talk about it. That’s what brought me to that point of not standing.

It was something that was gradual and it was never meant to bring attention to myself. I did it for like three or four months before anobody even knew I was doing it. If I wanted to bring attention to myself, I wouldn’t have come out or I would have put myself in the middle of the floor. But I never did that because it was something that I was dealing with internally.

Were your teammates supportive?

MAR: My teammates were very supportive. Actually, the night that they suspended me, Dale Ellis did exactly what I did in protest. Silent protest. Even Dikembe was like, “He’s been doing this for months and he hasn’t been bothering anybody! Why do you make a big deal out of it?” They respected my decision because they knew me as a person. I’m not trying to cause problems. But hey, I’m going to follow my heart and my conscience. I’m like, if it’s wrong and that’s the way I see it… I can’t sleep! Because it’s on my conscience so much and I need to get this thing off my chest. You want to think that people are able to take some constructive criticism. But if they can’t take it, and it hurts me in the long run in terms of not being able to get a job, I still say, “OK.” It is what it is.

What is home to you now? Where are you going when the season finishes in Japan?

MAR: I go to Atlanta, Georgia now.

I read you were living in Mississippi, but you left because it got to the point that it wasn’t safe. Is that right?

MAR: I spent maybe five years or so in Mississippi trying to do things. Mississippi is a different monster. From minimum wage, education, health care… It’s always like on the bottom of the list in America. It’s real backwards. And I got children to think of. I’ve been there for five years. I was like, I can’t keep spending all of my money hoping people are going to change. I gotta go some place I think it’s better for my family. That’s one of the reasons I left. Also, my house was burned to the ground when I was there. Some suspect it was the Ku Klux Klan maybe because there was some Ku Klux Klan insignia that was left there when the house burned down. So when those things began to happen, I said… It didn’t work for my family here. Let me get on that hill. Y’all can have Mississippi (laughs). I’ma go somewhere else.

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178 Comments

JotaErre Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:15 am

Abdul Rauf deserves all the RESPECT as a player and as a person he could get. I remember watching him on TV during all that fiasco and it’s great to hear about him keep doin’ his thing in Japan.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM SPAIN, MAHMOUD!!!
Joey Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:34 am

This story was a real heart breaker. I remember watching him play when I was a kid. We are the same height so I was naturally drawn to a successful player I could relate to… also, in school we all thought his name sounded awesome ;).

I agree that standing for the anthem is truely a personal choice. It is comparable to forcing a religious belief on someone. You can be proud to be an american in your own way. I feel its actually quite petty and more of an outrage that he was singled out by a mob mentality over such a trivial issue. The people who are responsible for running him out of the league are the ones who are unpatriotic. Freedom of expression anyone? The freedom to believe in what you choose is a fundamental right.
B. Carroll Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:35 am

People really forget how good this guy was. At LSU, known then as Chris Jackson, he may have been college basketball’s best scoring point guard since Maravich. In the NBA he could get his shot off on anyone….he just wasn’t a great defender or ball distributor.

I remember watching him play against Michael Jordan and the Bulls in Chicago when he was with the Nuggets. He had 30 points and 20 assists and I thought to myself that he didn’t even play well. That was kind of the standard of excellence that he put on himself…..with his Tourette syndrome really causing him to be a perfectionist.

I read once that he could never leave a gym without making his last shot — and I assume that is the reason why he is still playing now. He likes to shoot too much to have shot his last shot already.
Muhammad Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:39 am

Salaams Mahmoud, may Allah reward you for all your constant efforts in the community, in this life and the next. Thank you for taking the stand that you did, it made alot of us younger guys think about the things we did daily and why we were doing them. You are a huge inspiration for the young muslims who play ball. W’allahi I was just telling a young muslim kid about you the other day. May Allah protect you & your family where ever you are.
ISRW Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:50 am

Abdul-Rauf may well have a point about his being blackballed. In the 00-01 season with Vancouver, his production by the minute was pretty comparable to what he’d done earlier in his career — and that was after two full seasons away.

There’s room for people to be controversial or difficult in this world, as long as they’re not malicious and they’re not hurting others. When the anthem thing came out, one of our local Minneapolis radio hosts interviewed a former ball bay with the Twins, and he told stories about what the players did in the dugout during that anthem. They made up their own scatological lyrics, or smoked their last heater before the game, you know? At least Abdul-Rauf’s private gesture was an act of conscience, however else one might feel about it. Even if you think it was terribly disrespectful or something, wouldn’t his doing it only encourage the sorts of conversations with, say, your kids that would allow them to really experience the anthem? Aren’t you more likely to teach them your own value system, either way, because there’s someone asking the question? Otherwise what are kids in the stands doing when that music plays? We ought to have room for this act, and for Abdul-Rauf to be suspended for it reads like disgusting cowardice.

Interesting player, interesting personal story. Thanks for finding this one.
Luke Gibbons Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 8:05 am

Tim Howard the USA goalkeeper has touretts and he’s had a very successful careers now playing for Everton. Great admiration with any athlete playing with any difficulty.
syoungblood256 Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 8:53 am

Good to see he is doing something, but should you stand yes. Freedom isn’t free. Everyone wants to say we have the right, we have the right, but you have to realize it’s because of young men and women serving the country you have these rights. You stand during the national anthem to pay respect for those who fought to give you the rights you have. And by the way in the military you don’t have freedom of speech, you can’t call in sick to work, if your sick you get to wake up at 5 go stand in an hour long formation to get permission to go to the doctor, then get motrin and sent back to work. Soldier’s don’t have the freedoms that we want to exploit and throw up all the time. So Chris, your momma named you Chris, I’m gonna call you Chris, you truly showed no gratitude for those who gave you the right to change your name, earn freely etc.
Jestik Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 8:55 am

@ B. Carroll
” I read once that he could never leave a gym without making his last shot.”

He was a little more of a perfectionist than that. Anybody could just make a shot and leave. He wouldn’t leave the gym until he hit 10 straight free-throws… if the ball touched the rim he counted it as a miss. Dude was lights out. I loved that Denver team. They were the first successful team I watched growing up without a true star. With Dale Ellis and Abdul-Rauf, it was lights out from beyond the 3.
Thunder Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 10:00 am

I think what he did is ABSURD. Standing for the national anthem has is merely showing respect for the county and community you live in…nothing more…nothing less. Wow! To me he spits in the face of the very county that provided the means and living for him to follow his dream. How ungrateful!! Please stay in Japan!
tony t Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 10:34 am

most of the anthems sung at sporting events are so bad no one should stand.
dlee Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 10:39 am

best college guard ..EVER. still got your Denver jersey! big props to my man for standing behind his actions. he has more moral courage than a corporate lackey Michael Jordan ever did. anyone who disagrees with his actions might ponder the POV of: “As an American, I disagree with his actions but applaud his right to say say it.”

As for the belligerent “love it or leave it”-types ..your mentality is waaaay more anti-American than someone sitting down in silent protest.
Anthony Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:11 am

“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything” Kudos for stickin to ur beliefs…. And the people that burned down ur house deserve to be Hung!!!
John Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:22 am

To those commenting about what the national anthem means to them, that is all that it is, what it means to you. Nothing more nothing less. It doesn’t have to mean the same thing to everyone. He didn’t hold a press conference to declare his intent. He didn’t draw attention to his act. He just sat off in the corner or didn’t come out. And even if what you say is true, if you don’t respect the path your country has taken (which I believe he did not) then a man who follows his conscience would not be able to fake that respect. Everyone does not have to think and act and believe the same thing. There are times and places for people to come together for a common cause, the haitian situation might be one such example. Absent those conditions, that is why those that were born in the places with a stable government that protects individual freedoms are so lucky; most don’t have to worry about where their next meal is going to come from and instead can focus their energies on becoming a better person, developing the next great technology, debating the meaning of life or just making gobs of money. What ever floats your boat.
Ray Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:31 am

Mahmoud let me start by saying that I respect what you did.
What a shame The NBA had missed one of the best point guards of all time. Now that we got that out of the way, Standing up to the national anthem is a personal choice, It has nothing to do with your community, city, county, army…It all comes down to how you/ others feel are being treated or measured living as a minority in this country. If MJ had decided to do what you did believe me his “consequences” would have been completely different, However you carrying that name and being stereo typed makes it much more difficult to comprehend.
Crispin Gault Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:37 am

This man was the best scoring guard I have ever seen in college. I am 34 years old and I am a basketball nerd. Til, this day not college guard has dominated in a big time conference (SEC) like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Chris Jackson). I remember watching his game against Florida his Freshman year, I was in eight grade, and I couldn’t believe this chubby guard from Down South had so much game. I remember the Kentucky game in Lexington when he had 24 points in the second half. I remember the Vanderbelt game in Nashville when he had 38pts and was crossing over and shooting threes. I remember the Georgetown game when he gave Charles (Smithy) Smith the business. He is a good man that unfortunately got caught in a situation and timing that was bad. I wish he would have just stood up and campaigned openly about the ills of the country. I think he would have made the impact he wanted so badly. Blessing to him and his family
T Diggs Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:44 am

Yeah no reason he couldn’t stand. What a joke. Lost a lot of respect for him after that. September 11th was after what he did. If he had pulled that crap after September 11th he probably would’ve taken much more heat for it.

Fun player to watch though.
J Walk Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:03 pm

T Diggs, what a joke you probably are. What do you do to make a diference? Drink beer sitting on the back of your pickup, take extended lunchs breaks at work (if you have a job), vote for the Bushes, fight with your wife…..get a life, job, some friends, and education, please.
truebloodedamerican Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:18 pm

I am a war veteran (us army) and born and raised US citizen…and I believe one of the reasons I fought WAS so Abdul-Rauf could express his beliefs and criticisms of this country freely…the second action was taken against him for his expression was the second the country was disrespected. I served next to many Muslim soldiers who fought and died for this country, and many of us veterans took political stands after our service to speak out when this country went off track BECAUSE that is what Jefferson demanded of us, as OUR patriotic duty….there is NOTHING wrong with holding your country accountable for its failures with the hope that others will recognize it and CHANGE it. Blind patriotism only leads to a corruption of our ideals, and helps fasten the blinders a littler tighter.
On a lighter note…Mahmoud, come back, we want to see you ball again!!! Loved you on that denver team, you were lights out dude. Keep playing until you can’t !!!
Oh, and for those of you who don’t know, tourettes has many aspects that are similar to obsessive compulsive disorder…. I’m positive it helped Mahmoud with his game, but I’m sure it sucked when he probably just wanted to go home for the night to see his kidsbut HAD to hit 10 more perfect shots before he did…a blessing and a curse!
ctct Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:36 pm

i find it funny that some people are using their right to freedom of speech/ expression here to denounce Rauf’s use of that same right. Thats because I find hypocrisy funny.
MCcHampsta Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:51 pm

The United States is the greatest nation in the world. When explorers came to our shores from Europe, we were the “New World.” We were open opportunity for anybody looking to better themselves and make the most of their life. We were open opportunity for those who felt oppressed, disadvantaged, mistreated, or exiled from their homeland. The word “freedom” is more associated with the U.S. than any other country in the world. The “American Dream.”

Freedom is not free however. Millions of soldiers have died for this belief, cause, ideal, whatever you want to call it. From the men under George Washington who fought to separate from Britain and forge the beginning of our nation, to men who died in the Civil War, fighting to keep the United States as one country. Thousands died in WW1 and WW2, assisting our allies and defending our democracy against those who wish to oppress it.

Most of us, myself included, do not do the military thing. It is easy to take what we have for granted. The National Anthem was written in honor of American victory during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key. It is not a song, it is an anthem. A memorial to those who have given blood, sweat, and tears to allow our nation to continue it’s independence and embody freedom.

That being said, standing is how you pay your respects. It’s not the Pledge of Allegiance, where you confess your devotion to your country. The National Anthem is a testament to soldiers, and an opportunity to be thankful for what they have died for. To stand is to observe and honor those who have come before you and allowed you the opportunity to live, breathe, and better yourself within the borders of the United States.

Abdul-Rauf has every right, thanks to the 1st Amendment, to believe, think, and speak what he chooses. That is freedom, that is part of the “American Dream.” To not support and endorse his right to believe (not endorse the actual belief, but the right to) is a defecation to the American way. The fact he was cast out, had his house burnt to the ground, unable to get a job even though he was a good player is oppression of his freedoms, and shows the hypocrisy that continues to poison our country to this day. The 1st Amendment is the 1st Amendment for a reason. It is the foundation of the United States. Our forefathers left Europe to escape religious and political persecution and create a better life for themselves.

That is what those soldiers died for. To stand for them in honor, respect, and thankfulness is the very least we all can do.
Ray Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:52 pm

Whats him standing has to do with Spet. 11?????? I like these blogs it seems more ignorant people keep writing away. Please stop mixing politics, churches, religions, counties, cities…. with a game of Basketball if the guy did not want to stand because of his believes then by all means.

We should comment on his game, the way he played, the way he carried himself while playing…him not standing up did not caused nothing to no one. if people such as yourself like to be tagged as robots in this world then by all means go ahead but do yourself a favor stop pointing your finger at other peoples and judge yourselves I’m sure you’ll find lots of issues to start fixing!!!

Damn i just finished watching the Nuggets vs Utah back in the days when he scored 57 points over Stockton…. WOW
Deuce Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

You want all the freedoms, live in the best country in the world, and the United States is always the first country to help out any country in need. The very least you can do is stand to the national anthem. He was a good basketball player but an ignornant fool! If you dont like the United states then leave!!!!
Terry Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:02 pm

I was a Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul Rauf) fan from his days a LSU. This cat had crazy game. His skills were ridiculous. Glad to hear that he is still hooping.

On the whole not standing for the national anthem thing, I am sure that Timothy McVeigh was standing the national anthem his whole life and you see how that worked out!
Mike Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:16 pm

His momma named him chris jsackson, Ima call him chris jackson! Keep your butt over there in Japan you anti-american… evil islam is what is destroying this country
Mike Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:18 pm

I was kidding btw
Martin Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:44 pm

I repect this man for doing what he belived in. It’s the “It’s not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” menatlity that makes a lot of Americans pupets of the government. what has your country done for you lately that makes you so supportive of it? You have to fight for your rights and for what you belive in. That’s what Abdu-Rauf did and that’s what the people of European countries do. It is what your country can do for you, the people and NOT what you can do for your corupt government officials!
jballa Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:45 pm

he still got it,played against him last year
PC Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:50 pm

I’m writing this as a non-American…

We tend to criticize the people of America for what happened to Abdul Rauf and in my opinion, it is quite unfair to the people (don’t get me wrong, burning down a house, effed up).

While I believe one should stand (or sit) for what they believe in, I also believe there’s a time and place.

There were plenty of actions Abdul-Rauf could’ve taken to protest his beliefs and plenty of smarter avenues to do so.

Here’s one: he could’ve simply quit the game of basketball in protest, and it would’ve stirred up much more (positive) controversy than flipping the proverbial bird to an entire nation. But of course not, the man still wanted the paycheck.

So instead he chose the most ignorant way: during the American anthem on American soil (not to mention in front of live TV). In doing so, he neglected the countless good people in the country. The good Americans. The ones he worked for. The ones who gave him opportunity. The ones who came to watch him. The ones he called fans.

So praise him for what he did. But know that you’re also praising poor taste and poor judgement (a nicer way of saying stupidity).

And so A-R’s punishment was an unofficial ban from the game of basketball, which is a far cry from what would happen had an American pulled the same stunt in a Muslim country.

Oh, one more thing. If America is such a bad country that you praise someone for not standing up during their national anthem, it begs the following question: why do so many ethnicities, albeit Muslim or other, continue migrating to it?
Sam Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:51 pm

@ Thunder.

The beautiful thing about this country is that any person is free to express their beliefs, even if it spits in the face of the country that provided that freedom.

Anyone who feels that he should be punished for his actions is also spitting directly in the face of the freedom this country provides.

not that I’d expect you to get that, Thunder.
Elephant Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:53 pm

What a thoughtful guy. Seems to carry himself with a lot of dignity. Impressive.
David Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:56 pm

I respect him for standing for what he believes…why would you force people to stand up if they don’t want it. ~He was such a good player, Miss you in the nba my man and goodluck to you and your family
Crossyboy Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 1:58 pm

Great article.

dlee: I think the way you put it was absolutely perfect. Clearly it wasn’t a decision he took lightly and he can be proud of how he took the consequences of his actions like a man.

Good luck in Japan Mahmoud.
bmoney Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 3:20 pm

do they play an anthem in japan before games? if so, does he stand or sit?
eric Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 3:38 pm

Great interview. He was so fun to watch in college (as Chris Jackson). Thanks for catching up with him.
yo-sef Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:01 pm

Chris was always one of my favorites. I only gained more and more respect from him as time passed. Obviously there will be jingoistic comments in which people make ABSURD claims about how he should have been happy with his slave name (his momma may have named him chris but it wasn’t a loving mother that was responsible for the jackson), but this is what makes me respect him. There are many people who share Mahmoud’s ideas but he was one of the few brave enough to be true to them. At first I was disappointed to see “shut up and enjoy your freedoms like a good boy” type of comments but then I realized it is the sad existence of these people that makes Mahmoud’s actions so admirable.

If you read this interview and found yourself more upset about someone sitting during a song than the Klan burning down a black man’s home, you just might be the reason some of us dislike certain elements of American society/history.
yo-sef Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:10 pm

@bmoney

I don’t know whether the anthem is played in Japan but this practice of getting all nationalist and patriotic before league play is primarily an American thing. People visiting the US are often surprised at the playing of the anthem because where they come from a stadium full of people honoring the national anthem for a league game would only happen for the most fascist (literally) teams.
Patirck Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

I served for many years in the US military in some very difficult environments around the world to protect the United States.

And if Abdul-Rauf thinks I and my fellow service men and women do that so he could sit down and protest our national anthem then he is………… exactly right. That’s exactly why I put the uniform on, t protect a country where expressing yourself is allowed, even if the opinion you express is not popular.

Voltaire said, “I disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Pretty smart guy…for a French dude.
Steve Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:35 pm

What needs to be said has already been said, so I’ll add only this - much respect for your game and dedication, Mahmoud, and for the class that the league and a few commentors on here remain ignorant of. I’m also glad Hoopshype posted this story, because it’s something people need to be reminded of.

You have more support than you know, Mahmoud. Keep balling and doing it well in Japan. Gambatte!
Mike Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:36 pm

I live in Mississippi and call BS on his house burning down. He is still a big deal in this area, and if someone would have burned his house down, it would have made the news.
scott Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 4:47 pm

Abdul-Rauf/Jackson was a special guard. Much like an Iverson, Tony Parker or Kevin Johnson, he was usually the quickest guy on the court. A gifted athlete, and it’s well documented that he’s a tireless worker.

I can respect his values and his belief, even if they are contrary to mine. His means of expression, I may have issue with. The first amendment grants him the right to express how he feels about The United States. The fans of the NBA also have the right to express their displeasure with his actions.

When you’re selling a product to a particular group, it’s not a practical thing to insult the entire group.
pooponapotty Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:02 pm

When of our most revered athletes, Muhammad Ali made a powerful protest without having to quit his sport. Just because you participate in the society means you support everything that society is doing…that’s how we foster change…
Reg Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:05 pm

There is nothing worst than ignorance. Thunder learn how to spell country before you lay your fascist dribble on us.
Reg Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:10 pm

Duece your the ignorant fool go study the accurate history of this country and stop repeating the grade school propaganda you were spoon fed in grade school.
Reg Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:11 pm

MCcHampsta bravo very inciteful and true.
Clips Fan Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:30 pm

Much Love Chris Jackson! You’ll always have my respect as a player and as a man on and off the court. Hopefully you are back in the NBA some day soon… the NBA needs more people like you.
April Abdul-Rauf Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 5:58 pm

First of all for all those, and there were many, who had kind words and words of encouragement for my husband…thank you. Now for all of you who doubt the events that we had to endure as a result of our belief system or statements made by my husband, let me clear them up for you. My husband received numerous death threats and bags of hate mail. Our home was burned down on or around July 31.2001. There were KKK paintings on the sign for my home that was being built in an area called the Kiln. My husband was blackballed by the NBA. We were shunned by family and some that we thought were friends. The man, whose name is, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, is a man that I have known since I was in the 8th grade. He is very passionate about his craft and most importantly he is true to himself. At no time has my husband every compromised his morals, his character, his ideals, or his faith. I don’t believe that this can be said for many of today’s so called role models. It is a shame that 13 years after the incident with the anthem, he is still being judged and disrespected by many who have little or no intelligence, or by those who blindly follow the mainstream and don’t think for themselves or truly understand what the Constitution of Independence really “entitles” us to. You don’t have to like my husband, but you should at least respect him for having the courage to make a stand when many would fall for anything.
Chizat Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 6:31 pm

Mahmoud did something that offended many Americans, and he did it knowing that it would offend many Americans. Right or wrong, like he says, “it is what it is.” I understand why many would respect him for having beliefs - if following his beliefs results in offending a large group of people, he probably shouldn’t be surprised to have some consequences. Obviously there are some really despicable people that, instead of just booing the guy, fell like they need to take it to another level.

From all accounts (including Keith Glass’s book), Mahmoud is a great person. I’m glad to hear he’s still able to do what he loves at a very high level.

April - I don’t think you’re going to make anyone feel bad by telling them they don’t “truly understand the Constitution of Independence”.
B. Carroll Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

No disrespect Mrs. Abdul Rauf but it didn’t take courage for your husband to sit down during the anthem. It was just his personal choice. He himself said that he didn’t do it for anyone else other than himself. I respect the fact that he is his own man but no one is courageous just for having an opinion.

There are consequences for certain actions and if your husband was willing to live with those consequences than he should have no regrets. It sounds as if he is still upset by how he was blackballed for his actions. In my opinion he should focus more on the motives behind the decisions that he makes rather than the consequences.

If the consequences are too severe for his own actions then maybe he should rethink his actions. Otherwise continue to look forward and not backwards.
Brett Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:11 pm

I admire Mahmoud’s beliefs and his willingness to stand up for them. However, I have a hard time saying that if NBA teams didn’t want to employ him after the national anthem thing, that is their choice. The players are the faces of the organization, and each team can choose whether or not they want someone who doesn’t stand for the anthem as the face of their franchise, regardless of why he did it … that’s just one side to look at, at least. Freedom of speech only means you have the freedom to speak what you want and not be censored or punished by the government, not necessarily be protected from losing employment. Not saying it’s necessarily correct, but you do have to see it from the team’s point of view.

That said, I still do admire him for doing what he did, even if I disagree with it. TO THOSE WHO ISSUED DEATH THREATS AND BURNED DOWN A FAMILY’S HOME, YOU ARE A SHAME TO THIS GREAT NATION. If you are still following the comments, Mrs. Abdul-Rauf, I feel for your suffering at the hands of such ignorant, worthless pieces of crap who don’t deserve to consider themselves Americans. I may not agree with Mahmoud’s actions, but he has the right to express them without him and his family being put in life-threatening situations. It makes me sad to know this happened.
Khurram Malik Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:22 pm

Salaam to Mr. Rauf and his Family.

I just want to say that I grew up in Denver watching brother Mahmoud play. He came to the Islamic center on Parker road and shot around with us after classes, he was always giving away tickets to us. He will always be my favorate basketball player. I went on to play D-II ball in college and he was a huge reason why. When I play pickup I still wear his jersey. It was amazing reading this article and knowing that he is still playing.
April Abdul-Rauf Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:31 pm

In regards to my “typo”–the Constitution of Independence instead of the Declaration of Independence–some of the ignorant, arrogant statements had me so upset that I did not proof my comments before I posted them–I am human I do make mistakes. Once again in regards to my husband it is a shame in a country that has so much, we still have so little–so little compassion, so little love, so little forgiveness–for anyone who seems to not go along with whatever the mainstream says…
Zack Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

I believe that a person should be able to express their beliefs how they see fit (obviously withing the law), and I respect a person who stands by their beliefs. The one thing I cannot figure out though is how sitting for the national anthem accomplishes that goal. Like mentioned before it is not the pledge of allegiance but an honor to all those who died so we could have the right to believe what we want. I guess I just dont quite understand what he was protesting.
Don Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 8:32 pm

I read this article and I remember the player Abdul-Rauf/Jackson was back in the day. He was truly a great player. I am in my early 30’s now and was in college when all this went down. I personally took great disrespect to all to his actions for sitting. We stand in respect during the National Anthem for all of those who either died in battle or survived battle. We stand because so many died fighting for the rights we have now. Whether it was in the 1700’s for indepenace or 1800’s so all men and women (white and black) would have the same rights. Then in the 1900’s, Americans fought again to preserve our rights of freedom in World War I and II. My grandfather fighted and defended our country in both. He has since pasted in early 2002. I proudly stand when I hear this anthem. You disrespect all those who fighted for your rights that you have today. Standing is not about Islam or the government. It’s not about respecting democrats or republics. It’s about standing for the those who have fallen to give you the rights you have. Barack Obama would not be president if these brave men and women didn’t die to either give or protect those rights. I am saddened and sickened when I hear someone not wanting to respect our forefathers. If wasn’t for them who died, Mohammed/Chris would not be able to sit because of the color of his skin. I would not have my rights to post this if it was not because of that. You can hate the government or the establishment all you want but you need to respect our fallen forefathers. This is all I have to say about this.
Larry B. Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 9:27 pm

Holy Crud I can’t believe he still plays…good for him
Larry B. Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 9:32 pm

Man I had forgotton how those nugget teams would beat George Karl and the Sonics like every year, lol. I guess George figured if you can’t beat em, join em. The Nuggets back in those days were a lot like the Knicks of that team. They were a pretty bad-ass rugged team although not as good as Knicks…
Wildblue Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:04 pm

This man made his decision - pretty dumb no matter how you spin it. The National Anthem is our custom. Burkhas are one custom of Muslims. You don’t want anyone disrespecting that though, do you. For those who think the USA is the Great Satan take your game somewhere else. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.
Mrs Rauf, it comes down to your husband pushing his personal envelope too far. I certainly don’t have any anger toward him but his situation then wasn’t anyone else’s fault but his own.
Damon Reese Said,

February 4, 2010 @ 11:24 pm

Micheal Jordan may be the greatest NBA player ever, but my hommie M. Rauf will always be the GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER IN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, & NBA.
Steve Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 12:06 am

I used to love MAR back when I was in elementary school. I remember having his card and being amazed at his free throw percentages. It’s good to see that he’s still out there doing what he loves. I have the utmost respect for him for standing up for his beliefs and makin a statement. The world truly needs more of its celebrities to be more like Abdul-Rauf. Sad that he couldn’t have played longer in the NBA; sad that the U.S.A is so rampant with untamed nationalism.
josh Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 12:37 am

Man, I was the only kid around rocking the Abdul-Rauf jersey in middle school, totally one of my favorite guards of the 90s.

Way to stay true to yourself MAR, fight the power and good luck in all your pursuits!
kingsblade Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 1:40 am

@Ray

We are talking about “him not standing” because otherwise there is no story to talk about. FYI, A good general rule of discussion is to comment on the topic of conversation at hand.

@Reg

“Duece your the ignorant fool go study the accurate history of this country and stop repeating the grade school propaganda you were spoon fed in grade school.”

Did you seriously post this to claim you are better educated than someone?

As for the subject at hand - I believe that he had every right to refuse to stand up, however I object to the automatic classification of anyone who believes he should have channeled his believes another way as uneducated and ignorant.

It is assinine and beyond belief and hilariously arrogant to demand that a man be respected for his beliefs while openly mocking the beliefs of othes.

Did he have a right to act as he did? As an American, yes. As an NBA player, that is less clear. Either way I can see valid arguments for both sides (along with some painfully lacking in validity) and to be honest I have a hard time deciding which side of the fence I’m leaning towards.

I do know that it was his decision to make, not ours, and as a result I have a trouble comprehending the venom evident while discussing the matter. Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian; we don’t get so worked up over these things.

As an aside - I had no idea he was playing in Japan. I think next trip I might try to catch a game to see one of my all time favorite college players again.
Luck Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 1:44 am

MAR is the best college player in a two year span ever! I believe he still holds the freshman record for avg.points at 29.0 second year 28.0. He was Chris Jackson then simply incredible Youtube him! Also chk him as a pro. he only struggle when he went thru Ramadan his weight went from 160 to 130 during the season. A deadly scorer and crazy quick! It was just a pleasure to have seen him in LSU and he had Shaq and Stanley Roberts and they was his sons! If u thk that it was anyone btr in just a two year span prove it!
Michigan Attorney Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 1:48 am

God bless you. You have left more of an impact that dozens of all star appearances and multiple rings would have.
d t cuthrell Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 2:10 am

for those who want to make the anthem something special before a sporting event are the same ones that are in denial about the true history of this country, for it was built on the blood of the red man that welcomed the white man to his home,but was killed off by them,who then enslaved and robbed the black man of the knowledge of himself. i feel that this brother was showing his feeling that this song did not speak to him in any way. white people don”t want to see that this country did not give us what they always scream to the rest of the world,that they have. this brother looked at the lie that is america and made a silent protest,and proved america is a lie
t-boy Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 2:22 am

I thought America is the place where you could express however you feel as long as you don’t harm anybody? How is him not standing for the anthem harming anybody? Soldiers fight for his right to stand or not stand as he sees fit. This ain’t China where they throw you in the gulag for posting jokes about the government. I thought this was the land of the free… Guess what happened to Abdul-Rauf proved me wrong
Fred Towes Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 2:33 am

Brother Mahmoud, I bow to you with deepest respect, for the path you chose long ago and walked throughout, always upright. This is coming from a guy who sat across the table from you & your date, Tracy Davis, at a high school promenade some twenty-two long years ago. Good young brother then: great young man now. Peace and blessings to you, my friend.

Always,
MT
Corey Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 3:19 am

@ B. Carroll,

What if Rosa Parks did sit in the front of the bus on December 1, 1955?
Was that not courageous??? She stood up for something on her own, she was tired of the situation and made a conscious decision to do what she felt was right. I remember watching (Chris Jackson) myself and he was bad boy. We do follow whatever the media tells us like sheep going to slaughter.

@ Mike
I grew up in Louisiana. I saw KKK flyers,poor education systems, and the corrupt politics of the South. David Duke almost was governor of this state. FYI, David Duke was a former Grand Wizard in the KKK. I’m not here to be political, just stating facts.
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Nathaniel Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 5:49 am

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was a great player. As Abdul or Chris. He’s still the same man.

“Pretending you are someone else is a waste of who you are” applies here. Good on you! Good luck from Australia! I’ll keep an eye on you in the standings

ps - come play one year in Australia.. Wollongong Hawks!!!
icecold Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 7:58 am

the boy doesn’t deserve respect. He is a disgrace to the country that made him a millionare. he’s pathetic and a coward.
icecold Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 8:05 am

he’s also a racist
A.L. Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 8:56 am

I agree,in B-ball what a man,nevertheless in life even a better man. He was right to stand up or should I say sit down for what he believed. Ask your self the Question[why did he] Rosa Parks was considered a cummy Ali,Malcom X,Michel Jordan—I”m kidding michel never stood for anything but money,nevertheless,people stood up for justice. In america we the people dont rule,that a lie we chose to believe. Money and power rule={he who has the gold makes the rules. If you love your country like you say you do, than its time to stand up or sit down and fight. Spaire the rod-spoil the child. Lets fight to get our country back, open your eyes to whats going on around you, fight the good fight of faith, and above all believe.
Bill Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 9:05 am

In the USA a person is free to express himself as he did - and the NBA/owners are also free to do what they did. Nothing wrong on either side. In any job there are ramifications for your actions. No one said he couldn’t do what he did - they just decided if thats the way he was going to act they didn’t want him to be their employee. Doing what he does for a living, for the money he made, is a rare privilege - one he can only expect (to be compensated that well) in the USA. If not standing was that important to him he made the right choice.
YeaIsaidit Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 9:27 am

I come from a military family, and I have to be honest. Are you guys serious? We are seriously getting hateful over a man that sat down during a stupid song. A Song!! Whats next? Should we go muslim hunting too? We can call it americas sport. I have lost several family members in americas wars. Don’t kid yourselves, cause if you really think that you know what/when/where/why we go to war your dumber than your posts. All this media propaganda and you guys think you know something? No song can represent the real pride and love you have for your country. That comes from each individual persons heart. America is an ideal. A great country, not because of a song, but because of the people that occupy it. Based on your posts we should be an anarchy. You idiots are whats wrong with this place now. Follow your leader GW to go find the WMD. Let me know what you find. ****This is not at all a knock at our military men and women. They take orders just like you and me. I am truly proud to be an american, but not cause of some stupid song. Because I, unlike most of you idiots bashing MAR , understand deeply in my heart the sacrifices made by the PEOPLE of this country. Last time I checked I didn’t see a song taking up arms on the frontline. Get over yourselves.
Mehmet Turko Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 10:09 am

You did not stand up out of disrespect to the troops who are just following orders in Irak, Pakistan and Afghanistan. You meant no disrespect to all the military personnel. Like you, I always remain seated to protest the policy, not the pawns who follow it. I mean the same policy that supported appartheid in South Africa and now is supporting Israeli appartheid in Palestine, the same one that invaded a sovereign country for no reason, the same one that pushes fundamentalists to do the inthinkable. The NBA is run by sionists who are exploiting “yes” man players. May Allah bless you for the courage to do it.
Drremedy Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 10:54 am

This guy is just another fool think thing through for himself. He will always let others do it for him. What other country would afforded this guy a chance to play a game for a living.
Only America so he can K.M.A.
phatkat Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 11:03 am

man, why is it that only the uneducated hypocrites people believe that Abdur-Rauf should stand up for the great nation of the United States or Leave??

you should leave…or go to school…but since you have the american flag so high up your ass you probably can’t walk…

so let’s see…every soldier who goes to war is meant to believe they are doing somethign good for their country…HAHA…what a frickin joke! the united states is the greediest, most power hungry nation in the world. oh, so you can have nuclear weapons but everyone else has to disarm?

and they disregard the united nations and totally slapped them in the face and said “no we are going to Iraq because they have weapons of mass destruction, oh how do we know because we sold them the weapons that’s how”….. so you can see how stupid i am getting now by completely changing the subject from basketball to bullshit…

and the loser who continues to call Abdur Rauf Chris Jackson because that’s what his “momma” named him…man you need to be slapped with a dick….let me ask you guys something…did you always listen to your parents and obey your parents? because you “patriots” put more emphasis on your country than you do your moms and dads… if you had listened to your parents and stopped for a second to try and screw your sisters, than perhaps you would’ve gone to school and got an education. look up the word “hypocrite” cause that’s what all your losers are….let’s see…the united states is so great, everyone has freedome..! wait, except for those people who don’t want to stand for the national anthem…oh and those people who want to say anything negative about the glorious united states and those people who piss on the US flag…you can be banned from playing any sports, and hey, if you decide to move to mississippi we’ll burn your house down and blame the KKK… anyways, i’m out, f all you KKK bastards and go get an education and stop sucking on your momma’s titties and stop trying to screw your sisters…even if she does want it…
Muhammad Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 11:05 am

I wonder if slaves had to stand for that stupid song or risked losing their jobs? If the NBA has the right to blackball him for his religious beliefs and actions then they have the same right to fire all the black players for their skin color. There are rapists in the league like Kobe, but a man that rather not stand for a horrible song written during times of slavery is sung cant keep his well deserved job. GTFOH

Rights that people have in america are HUMAN rights given by ALLAH/the Creator, not american rights given by george washington(slave owner) or thomas jefferson(slave owner & serial rapist).

america has taken away the HUMAN rights of millions more around the world than it has ever “given” to anyone anywhere.
Brant Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 11:09 am

A professional athletes house is burned to the ground in Mississippi and it wassn’t national news? I had never heard this. Myabe I missed it, but still, shows just how poorly he has been treated.

That LSU freshman year was CRAZY!!!
A short comment on the Anthem (from Youtube comment) Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 11:27 am

The important part of this case is why using national anthem in all these games in every sports in USA ?
National anthem should only be played when our country is playing against another country, like everywhere, but not for a town against another town.
It’s too much patriotism, to the point that it’s not a good thing, because it leads to case like that. Too bad it did not change anything.
For Team USA games, it’s OK, but for NBA games, why ? especially when not all players are US born.

Added: “even if Mahmoud was born here” because some players are not American, and some American or not, could have different religious opinion.

An idiot patriotic person will say: they can go back to their country.
An intelligent patriotic person could say: they help the NBA being better, because Yes, without the best international players, it would not as good as now. So they should be allow to not stand at the anthem, or better, stop these Anthem thing except for International Sports (but it won’t happen).

On a different point but same kind of problem:
Why the NBA champions are called “World champions” ?
We know that it’s certainly the best team in the world, but as long as there is no competition with best teams of all the world, we can’t say that.
Mike Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 11:58 am

@April

Still can’t find where his home burned down. Nothing on the ‘nets. I do arson investigation work and have never heard anything about this fire. Another thing, if this is his wife, what in the world were ya’ll doing living in “the kill?” Although most of Mississippi is backwards, that place is as redneck as you’ll find.
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 12:14 pm

Mahmoud is a very special person, beyond his excellent basketball skills. His personality, humility, kindness, and intelligence are well known among those who really know him. America’s elites - past and present - have always frowned on anyone and everyone who was willing to express their heartfelt convictions publicly. Mahmoud was ostracized and effectively banned by league commissioner David Stern and his pro-zionist inner circle. The league wants a stable of talented athletes, particularly black athletes, who function as highly paid, modern-day slaves. They should play ball. Keep their mouths shut. And think and speak according to the master’s wishes. Fortunately, Mahmoud doesn’t fit this mold. It would be very appropriate if more athletes truly expressed their thoughts and feelings beyond shooting, throwing, rolling, and hitting balls.
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

To the person Mike Said who said who couldn’t find out anything about the fire, I want him to know that I’m a friend of Mahmoud and considered by others as more like a father/older brother to Mahmoud. The house that was burned down in one of the counties outside his home city Gulfport, was being built/under construction. Mahmoud and his family hadn’t actually moved into the home which was a blessing in disguise. I actually visited the house while it was being built and have pictures of my visit along with Mahmoud. So if you can’t find out anything about the mysterious, strange, terrorist, criminal act of burning down this man’s home, check with local authorities in the Gulfport area. They know it happened. It covered on local television stations. And some sick-minded, cowardly, criminal, racist entity knows who did this act and are too cowardly to come forward and admit what they did.

Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem
ray Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 1:12 pm

To kingsblade and others that are as ignorant,

You seem to know lots about the American History and when should someone stand to the flag and when not.

Let me give you some NBA history because I think you are clueless to ethics, morals, beliefs…

These are your today’s NBA roll models:

Kobe= rapist what did the NBA do…nothing!! that’s Bryant if you don’t know his last name
Ron Artest, Jermain Oneal and Stephen Jackson=Going in the stand and beating the crap out of the fans the same fans that judged Mahmoud’s actions back in the days
Arenas= gangsta wanna be carrying and pointing a gun at his teammate in and NBA facility locker room= suspended for one season!!!!!! REALLY????

The list goes on and on…I think you get the picture!! I hope

When I reflect back to Mahmoud’s days of playing the game, all I remember of him is that
1- He had game.
2- Class on the court.
3- well respected by his teammates and others that played the game
4- A family man.

I played pro. basketball over seas and had American players on my team
they were at times disrespectful and obnoxious to our culture and beliefs they acted as they were above anybody even the coach… from what I recall no one burned their home or painted KKK on their front door step or even received death threats.
MCcHampsta Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 2:41 pm

@Muhammad

“I wonder if slaves had to stand for that stupid song or risked losing their jobs? If the NBA has the right to blackball him for his religious beliefs and actions then they have the same right to fire all the black players for their skin color. There are rapists in the league like Kobe, but a man that rather not stand for a horrible song written during times of slavery is sung cant keep his well deserved job. GTFOH

Rights that people have in america are HUMAN rights given by ALLAH/the Creator, not american rights given by george washington(slave owner) or thomas jefferson(slave owner & serial rapist).

america has taken away the HUMAN rights of millions more around the world than it has ever “given” to anyone anywhere.”

Slavery has since been abolished. Although nothing is perfect and there continue to be horrible examples of prejudice and the wrongful recognition of human rights among those with differences, in color, sex, sexual orientation, to name a few.

The United States has the great pride in being the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, two gentlemen who took upon themselves the weight of one area of human rights, color of skin. Through their sacrifice and hard work, the United States has RIGHTFULLY SO become more literal and more true in their interpretation of “All men are created equal.” By no means though is everything perfect, and prejudice continues throughout our country as well as our world, but no longer is there “taxation without representation.” All of us continue to learn and respect each others differences and work together to live.

As for human rights given by Allah, whom is the same God in the Jewish and Christian Bible. You attack our countries government in saying they pervert Human Rights with American Rights? What about the women in predominately Islamic countries? Are they given these human rights? The United States shared this same issue earlier in it’s existence and has made tremendous strides in resolving it. Do women in these Islamic countries deserve equal treatment as men? Are they not human as well?

Please nobody come at me with the homosexuality issue and how our government does not recognize a gay or lesbian union/couple/partnership. Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. That definition comes from the Christian religion. This issue is such a church/state issue, which a strong borderline is drawn in the Constitution (Seperation of Church and State.)
Government has the job of recognizing a marriage for reasons such as:
-Hospital visitation
-Credit Lending
-Tax Status

People get married because they are in love and have a desire to make a commitment to another person. A gay/lesbian couple, who may be hard-working honest, community contributing, taxpaying, debt-free….cannot get the proper treatment and recognition for the things above that a man/woman marriage can.

It’s honestly shallow, unintelligent, and incredibly insensitive of our country to propose an AMENDMENT to the Constitution making gay marriage illegal. If marriage is defined by a religion that does not include such individuals, but government must separate itself from Church related issues, why must we disallow a fair, lawful union between two loving individuals? The government should be working to create a law that would recognize gay/lesbian couples as equal couples with married couples. It would not have to be called marriage, define it as something else. What is important is equal treatment.
Deuce Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 2:45 pm

To REG,

Guess what guy, I have been serving in the US army since 1996, i have been in combat in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afgan. I live history everyday, while you just watch it or read about! Again, if you dont like the US then leave!!!!! Because I have seen and done what I have done, i have a great respect for what America is!

What have you done lately!!!!!!
jasia Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 3:52 pm

REG

You remind me of that guy in Good Will Hunting. You go read some obscure literature then you regurgitate it out to the world. “Go look at the history this country was founded on…” Why dont you go look at the history that almost every civilization was founded on and then come back once you have done that. Better yet… How about you go get a High School diploma then come back and start giving us a history lesson.
TheMan Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 4:13 pm

Nice to see Abdul-Rauf is still a jackass. Revisionist history is an incredible thing. Chris Jackson may have been a good college player but Abdul-Rauf was nothing special in the NBA. Part of being a basketball player is being a team player. His refusal to stand during the national anthem was a very selfish act.

I don’t even believe the anthem refusal was religiously motivated. Hakeem never had a problem with the Anthem and he was raised Muslim.

Why didn’t the interviewer ask if he stands for the Japanese Anthem?
Steve Watkins Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 4:13 pm

What I don’t get is if the U.S. is such a terrible country - undeserving of his respect, why does he choose to live in Atlanta? Why does he reap all the benefits that America offers and then whine and bitch about it?

The reason is that bitching and whining about America is the politically correct thing to do if you are a Muslim. The only reason they do it is because America is a strong country - and they can get away with it wheras in Iran or some place they will torture you if you pulled this crap.

I just don’t get how people can be so hypocritical. Go some place else if you hate the country so bad!!
Tyler Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 4:26 pm

I remember Mahmoud I watched him play against my Jazz he was fun to watch. His work ethic was admirable.

However, I do not agree with stand he took against our nations anthem. I don’t know how he came to the conclusion that the flag was a symbol of tyranny, which insinuating that the United States is an oppressive nation. Standing for the anthem is the least someone who is making millions of dollars playing in front of American fans throughout the country.

Most people in America love their country, and our sports leagues reflect our patriotism. Being true to yourself should include being greatful to the country that allows you to become something great. I don’t see his stance as being praisworthy of someone standing up for what they believe. If he was so disgusted, logic should have dictated that he leave the NBA and the country.

The league acted appropriately you can play in front of Americans and hold those kind of beliefs. I know that America has been the most charitable nation ever to grace this planet. I love our Anthem I tear up almost every time I hear it. It’s sad someone like Mahmoud a very talented and passionate person would come into such a negative belief system. Best of luck to him and his family
themadkiwi Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 5:04 pm

Ultimately what’s the point of playing the national anthem at games that almost exclusively feature two American-based teams in the first place? Kind of preaching to the converted really.

As a non-native U.S. resident (who incidentally does stand as a mark of respect for my current home), I’m used to sporting events playing anthems for purely international games only.
Brian Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 5:45 pm

Sitting down during the anthem was how he chose to stand up for his beliefs. Why not leave America if you don’t agree with what our government does? I am not asking this sarcastically, but I honestly am wondering, and I hope April can answer this: If you are so against America, why not leave?

I always wonder this about people who bash our country and our government. I don’t agree with everything that our government does, or the war in Iraq, or a lot of things to be honest. But I also respect the fact that I can openly post this here, or say whatever I want without getting thrown in jail or physically harmed. Even in a global power like China, you can’t get on most web sites that might go against their government’s policies or ideals.

I get that he wanted to sit. That is fine. But when you are getting paid millions of dollars in America, and all of the Americans are coming to see you play basketball and playing top $ for it, I can see how people would be very offended by this. Especially those who have risked their lives for us overseas. Just because people were pissed off about it doesn’t mean that they are ignorant, or following the government blindly as you say. You are in America making millions of dollars, living a life that 99% of us DREAM about, and to do something so petty.. I just don’t get it.

I just feel that if he wanted to make a statement, leaving the country all together (Like people such as Johnny Depp have threatened to do in the past b/c of some of our policies) would have been a much better way to go about it. All or nothing.. just sitting down during the anthem is such a small point to be making while risking so much.
Lou Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 7:16 pm

I could care less about who stands or sits during the national anthem. Standing and removing your hat is not an act of patriotism. It is a custom.

Hey, if you want to be patriotic… Vote! Participate in this democracy! Watch C-Span! Educate yourself about the process instead of letting Keith Olberman and Sean Hannity tell you what to think. If you don’t do these things, then I question YOUR patriotism!

For every shlub who fails to educate themself and to be heard at the ballot box… I consider that to be spitting in the face of those who died for our freedom. Peace.
Joe Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 9:12 pm

Most of you are respecting Abdul-Rauf, I have the utmost respect of him as well. He was in Greece to play for Aris back in 2006-07 and a journalist here wrote an amazing story about his life, the whole flag issue plus he had a very interesting interview with him.

In the story, the journalist pointed out the fact that the nba has blocked Abdul-Rauf off its all-time lists. In the nba.com under all time leaders, the first in free throw percentage is Mark Price, while Abdul-Rauf’s percentage was higher and he has by far exceeded the minimum. I think the fact that the nba has blocked the leader of a category out of the list is a disgrace to the league and its officers. A huge shame that shows the real level of the nba.

Abdul-Rauf stated in his interview in greece that he was writing a book about his life. If anyone knows whether the book is out or not, please inform me.

Respect to a great point guard, a real perfectionist and a human being that was a rebel.
kingsblade Said,

February 5, 2010 @ 9:58 pm

@Ray

Since you obviously didn’t even read my post beyond my quick comment to you I will refrain from commenting on your crass response beyond asking you to please read before responding. Nothing in your response even remotely relates to my comments.
jthrii Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 12:18 am

right on brother.you stood your ground….and you’re still playing…God is good
hatred Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 12:22 am

@Duece

how does it feel to be used by your own “government” for their own pleasures? haha puppet! youre brainwashed and its sad to see other americans fallowing in your footsteps. do you even know why in the hell you were in afgan? seriously, what did you accomplish while you were there that made it better for us over here!? NOTHIG! our “government” is a fucking joke and youre the butt of it. sickening!
i live history everyday also because well , lets see, today is today, and tomorrow, today will be yesterday, thus making it history.
ConTro Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 1:57 am

Funny stuff. . .love reading about the enlightenment of a self-centered punk working on expressing his grand disagreements by sitting down during the national anthem. And the Zionist conspiracy theory, wow, great stuff, really mind expanding. By all means, let’s bring more Allah to the game, stone gays during half time and beat the hell out of cheerleaders who expose any skin.
h!de Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 7:18 am

Ive met the guy several times here in Japan, on the street, at a club..when i bumped into him at a supermarket, i told him i remember watching him play in denver and he was one of my favorite players. and then he gave me a ticket to the game, real nice guy. at the age of 40 hes still a good player, still got that one of the sweetest stroke ive ever seen.
Raf Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 12:37 pm

ConTro said: “By all means, let’s bring more Allah to the game, stone gays during half time and beat the hell out of cheerleaders who expose any skin.”

hahahahahahahaha I agree 100%. Mahmood is a fool
Sho Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 12:55 pm

Wish the interview was longer, great player, great guy would love to see him play at age 40. Maybe he’ll come play in Germany next season.
Ray Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 1:52 pm

@ Kingsblade
My a apologies. Between all the freakin names that bashed Mahmoud’s I started losing track but I did mean what I said to Deuce and the other robotic thinking individuals on here.
@ ConTro
It seems that you are learning much about Islam… good boy keep on learning and one day who knows you might find the wisdom to convert and join the nation. lool
@ Brian
@Steve Watkins
I appreciate your recommendations although I would suggest you get rid of that red neck mentality ” WELL if you don’t like my country then leave!!!” this is not about love or hate… Mahmoud’s choice was not to stand because of his personal beliefs. I know I know your dumb asses don’t get it let me elaborate. Example: Beliefs are about how we think things really are, what we think is really true and what therefore expect as likely consequences that will follow from our behavior. How you protect your beliefs is also your choice. for the 100X if Mahmoud’s choice was not to stand to the American flag because of his personal beliefs then be it, you don’t have to agree with it “I don’t” but you have to respect these are the rights Americans are dying to protect.

@ theMan you’re flat out idiot

I have a question for all the people bashing Mahmoud’s….
Would you rather have someone not stand to the flag OR

1- Rape your daughter and get away with it???
2- Go in the stands and beat the crap out of you which some of you needs btw??? lool j/k
3- Point a gun into your face?

Excuse my sarcasm but I am really interested to find out which one out of the three you gonna pick!!!
Steve Watkins Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 2:22 pm

Ray,

I don’t need your lectures on morality and what is or is not a belief system. Who are you - Allah’s right hand man?

You still didn’t answer the basic questions I asked - If you hate the U.S. so bad - why not leave? Why reap all the benefits and enjoy the good life here and then say that it is oppressive and tyrannical? Please answer these questions. You can label them “redneck”, but they are legitiamte questions.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 2:53 pm

Ray,

Your belief system lecture could use some work. There is an old saying “actions speak louder than words”. Mahmoud’s words are that the U.S. is oppressive and tyrannical. But consider his actions; he races back to Atlanta to enjoy the benefits of American society when he finishes playing basketball overseas, even though he can afford to live anywhere in the world he want.

That says two things:
1. He must truly believe that the U.S is a good society to live in.
2. He is a hypocrite - look that up in the dictionary, Ray - it has to do with taking actions that are inconsitent with your words.
DaleB Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

Of course he had the right to sit down. And had the police showed up and arrested him, i’d join the protest for him. But by the same token, the NBA is a business, and if by offending the population which pays the bills you make yourself a less attractive business option, well, that’s a decision NBA teams can make as well.
He made a stand, and he paid the price for it. So what?
Anyways, it’s always humorous to hear a modern era black athelete complain about how exploited they are. (Sheed, Josh Howard) When you get paid millions to play a game, shut up already. I guess maybe he thought he was Bill Russel or Jim Brown and that he had to make a stand against the man. Whatever. And coming within nearly a decade of Obama being elected, it seems like a very poor decision.
Joe Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 5:42 pm

If Mahmoud has the right to do whatever he believes in then why not the NBA team owners don’t have the right to do what they believe in, which is to protect their business by not offending even few of the spectators. If few spectators start protesting, the owners not only wouldn’t be able to pay the millions to Mahmoud, but also to his teammates. There is a saying “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”.
kingsblade Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 8:08 pm

@Steve Watkins

or……….

He could like living in the US and identify himself as an American while still being unhappy about certain things. Doesn’t it seem kind of ridiculous to claim that a person is a hypocrite for living in a country which he wants to see become a better place? If he didn’t care he wouldn’t bother.

He could very easily believe the US is a great place to live and still want change. Isn’t that how Obama was elected? He didn’t seem to do anything besides talk about change.

I am still on the fence with my opinion on the matter, but lets not get carried away with inane hyperbole either.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 6, 2010 @ 10:51 pm

@kingsblade,

What is he doing to support your assertion that he wants to make the country a btter place. If he is actually doing something other than bitching and spreading hatred, then I agree with you.

Nobody is happy about everything. But he refuses to acknowledge the national anthem, which is a statement that he wants nothing to do with the country. That is not a sign that he wants to change anuything. I may be wrong - maybe he is working to improve the country because he cares so much about it.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 12:18 am

@kingsblade

I doubt that his house was burned down by the KKK. After it was burned down, he said that he predicted that would happen because the country is so terribel, etc., etc.

This seems a little fishy to me. He predicted it? It is possible that it was burned down by the KKK but I wouldn’t discount the possibility that he set this up so he could spread his message.
ctct Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 2:31 am

@ icecold
you’re an idiot. You should be banned from thinking, procreating or maybe even breathing.
kingsblade Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 2:32 am

@Steve Watkins

1. I was pointing out a flaw in your logic. Wanting to live in the US is not at odds with wanting things in the US to change.

2. He was making a statement that he wanted change. Did I say he was working to make it better? No. I said he wanted it to become better.

Refusing to stand for the anthem is not a statement that he wanted nothing to do with the country. That is only your misguided assumption. How do you go from a to z like that with no intervening premises?

Look, on the whole I am probably closer to your side on this issue than against, but your complete lack of reason and logic are strongly pushing me the other way.

Americans really do have strangely irrational reactions to perceived slights.
joe Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 3:03 am

at the end of the day he regretted what he did, he does not want to admit it . Nba teams are right. you should never hire a person so stupid and ungrateful.
Sho Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 5:13 am

He is american, period, thus part of society. society is not homogeneous it’s not a constant it is evolving and anybody living in the states takes part in it in some shape or form and influences it. mahmoud would probably love to see a different US foreign policy and was just voicing his opinion.

honoring the flag or the national anthem to many outsiders (non-us citizens) seems very idiolic, idiolic like in islamic fundamentalist.
furthermore to non-americans the opinions voiced here, such as if he doesn’t like it why doesn’t he leave, sound very totalitarian, undemocratic and nazi-like. the blind nationalism of the many americans is often ridiculed abroad, because as with the two party system it seems like mainstream america just wants to comply with the orders, otherwise political parties aside from the democrats and republicans should have by now found broad acceptance in the society at large.

Actually, at least in theory, I know this is not the case, but just to be provocative, there is only a fine line between the US and the totalitarian and communist China. China, a country where they too honor the flag and the party above all. The US has two parties both operating under the same rules and principles and China has one, soon China will have a two party systems, then both countries will play in the same league not only ecomonically, but also politically. They are almost there.

By the way, there is somebody in the league called Brandon Roy, I believe he is playing for the Portland Trailblazers, he also, is never standing for the national anthem. He has been doing it for over a year. In fact he does not show up for the ceremony, instead he remains in the locker room by himself. Google it. Can’t believe why nobody is talking about it.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 7:53 am

@kingsblade

I agree with your statement # 1 - but this is not a flaw in my logic because I nevers said that wanting to live in the U.S is at odds with wanting things to change. Please don’t put words in my mouth. Everyone wants things to change in one way or another.

Your statement #2 says he was making a statement that he wanted change. How do you know? Isn’t that actually a “misguided assumption”? How do you go from a to z with no intervening premise? To support your premise, please answer my question - What is he actually doing to support change?
Steve Watkins Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 8:45 am

@kingssblade,

Look, I respect Mahmod’s belief system and his right to live inn peace. If he truly wants positive change, then I wish him the best in his endeavors. I have great admiration fro people like Dr. Martin Luther King who talks about change and have the balls to do something about it. As you say, Obama talks about change also and ran for president to try to do something. I have no problem with that and I actually voted for him.

My ONLY point here is that if Mahmoud hates the country to the point where he doesn’t want to do anything positive - if he only wants to tear the country down, then he should go somewhere else. I really don’t think that is an unreasonable position to take. Also, no one has responded to that actual point, other than to twist it around.
tajidin abdullah Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 9:00 am

@Dale B
it has nothing to do with Obama being elected Mahmoud is a muslim Obama is not yet he is sending more troops to Afghanistan to kill more muslims there so, this is not a racial thing at all its about the mans beliefs as a muslim which i am also and i am black also. We give honor to Our Creator not a country cause 100 years ago i could not vote cause i was a black man. So now i can cause of man’s law, so maybe in another 100 years Nazis will be in America saying i cannot vote again. I have no idea what the future holds. So he has a right to do what he is like He is a man like you.

Salam
Steve Watkins Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 2:28 pm

I doubt he was “blackballed” by the NBA. He played for Sacramento for 2 years AFTER all of this national anthem hype occurred. While there, his performance dwindled. His last season, he was shooting only 38 per cent from the field, down from his career average of 44 per cent. No one needs a 6′1″ shooting guard who shoots 38 per cent.

He left the NBA for 2 or 3 years and Vancouver gave him a shot in 2000. He did well in very limited minutes but he was 31 years old and probably lacked some stamina was a step slower. A 6′1″, 31 year old shooting guard can’t afford that. Look at Calvin Murphy for example - his last good year was when he was 32, which was when he started coming off the bench. Basketball is naturally tough for a small shooting guard and it starts to get very tough around that age.

At least Vancouver gave him a shot. For him to conclude that the NBA is against him because of his religious beliefs? I doubt it.
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

Some of the comments about Mahmoud are simply crazy. People are speaking from their warped emotions. The person name Steve who wrote about Mahmoud doing something positive like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., needs to simply ask a few questions if he’s trying to be fair in his statements. For the record, Mahmoud has done many positive things to help hundreds if not thousands of people here and abroad. He has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to needy people to help them secure their personal and professional goals. He has helped hundreds of children pursue their educational dreams donating to their schools and directly to their parents/families. He has held free basketball clinics for children in Denver, Colorado, Potomac, Maryland and and other cities and states around the country. He has trained male and female athletes in one-on-one and small group sessions around the country. He has been a keynote speaker at fundraising efforts around the country. He has supported and been an advocate for the Tourette community in this country and abroad. When hurricane Katrina devastated the southern part of this country, Mahmoud along with a few other friends of ours loaded up a truck and drove from Atlanta, Georgia to Gulfport, Mississippi to hand carry and deliver foodstuffs and other non-perishable items to desperate people. These are just a few facts from someone - yours truly - who knows Mahmoud very well. Mahmoud is the type of person who doesn’t promote himself. His humility and grace are sincere, authentic, original, and beyond compare. I know this to be true because I have been with him on many occasions, and closely observed how he treats people and how they respond to him. Mahmoud is loved and liked globally because he is authentic. Sad to say, many people prefer people who are phony and character-bankrupt. Mahmoud, thanks to God The Almighty, has contributed beyond his fair share to this country and world. Some of the people who are writing foul things about him should feel ashamed of themselves when they look at themselves in a mirror.
Miggy Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 3:09 pm

What’s the big deal. He decided to sit during the National Anthem. Some believe in what he did. Others did not. Why should his freedom to choose be any different than anybody elses freedom to disagree with him? The sad and tragic reality is that his decision cost him his NBA career and of course all of the hate that was spewed his way.
Brian Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 3:27 pm

@ Ray…

You are an idiot. Shut up. Nothing about my post had anything to do with redneck mentality. I am the furthest thing from a redneck you would ever meet.

@ Steve Watkins

I think we have a very similar opinion on this, and everyone who is on the other side REFUSES to address it.

All we are asking is Why live here? Why be here? Why play basketball here? If he doesn’t like what America stands for, and decides to sit during our National Anthem, then WHY BE HERE? I am not telling anyone to get out. I am not saying that anyone who disagrees with the US or it’s policies needs to leave.. We have heard the negatives. We know about the past. But if it is all so bad, I still would like someone to answer why the guy didn’t just leave? I don’t get how this is such a tough question to answer. I could tell you why I feel a certain way. Why can’t you do the same?

Sitting down was a weak way to express his message, he got the scrutiny from the public that he was asking for.. (like i said in my last post, leaving the US altogether would have been a HUGE message that would have received less negative publicity for) I don’t get how this guy is a victim here. (Not counting any sort of burning down of his house which still hasn’t been confirmed by anyone here.) He made a decision, people reacted to it, that’s it!
Brian Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 3:30 pm

and one more thing.. as I haven’t fully stated my position on the matter: I could care less if he stands. I am not one of the people who was upset with him over it. I just believe that there was a better way to send his message, and if the guy really wanted to make a statement, he would have done so by leaving the country. (which would have never voluntarily happened as he was making millions at this point and living the dream.)
phil Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 4:28 pm

Well I think this horse is staggering cause it has been beaten so much, but I would like to put in a few comments. I am an american, and a veteren with deployments to Iraq(2) Afghanistan and Sinai, and Honduras. I am proud of the flag, and have fought back tears as I have folded far too many of them. I get emotional at the national anthem. That being said, The rights all servicemembers have fought for, are for the freedom to stand or sit during the anthem, or to burn a flag, or to hold protest marches, or call me “baby-killer” or mindless puppet. I am glad you have those freedoms, because I have been to countries where those freedoms dont exist. I Loved Rauf as a player both before and after his conversion to Islam. He was a example of how you can overcome adversity (tourettes) and still achieve your dreams. From everything I have read and heard, he is a good man, a good husband and father. We should hope more of our fellow americans and atheletes could live the same way. He made a concious choice to not stand. That is the choice he has, and I support him in that. But like I tell my kids and I am sure he has told his ” You have the right to choose what you want to do, No one can stop you from doing what you want to do. But choices have consequences, If your not willing to accept the consequence, then dont make the choice”. Mrs Rauf I am truly sorry for the death threats you recieved and the fact your home was destroyed. Please understand (im sure you do) That isnt most of america. It is fringe idiots who try to give us all a bad name. There are those type in every country, every political belief, every religion.

And to some of the other comments. About this country and its founding. I wont argue that the native americans were treated horribly, nor will I argue that slavery existed or was horrible. These are facts of americas past, and nothing will change them. But every country through time has been built like that, on the pain of someone else. But if you keep living in the past you can never walk into the future. Slavery was abolished almost 150 years ago. You dont see me trying to punch out english people for the oppression of my Irish Ancestors from way back when. And we shouldnt forget that the Eropeans didnt invent Slavery. But that is also in the past.

I still love Mr. Rauf as a player, and have no problems with him as a person. In fact from what I know I applaud him and the way he carries himself. I dont agree with everything he says or believes in. But in this great country of ours, thats okay. I dont believe everyth the president does, shoot I dont even believe everything my mom does. Great article and great read. Keep swishing the net MAR
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 7, 2010 @ 8:21 pm

To the person named Brian who asked, “why doesn’t Mahmoud leave this country,” this is a ridiculous and childish question. Mahmoud is a man of principle like millions of others who have lived in this country, spoke out about its vices, and worked hard to do something about them. Raising such a question reveals more about Brian than Mahmoud. It shows that Brian would rather leave and run from a situation that he disagrees or takes issue with, rather than face the issue head on. Secondly, Mahmoud is an African-American whose forefathers were brought here involuntarily. He nor his forefathers asked to be in this country which was brutally taken and stolen from Native Americans. With this kind of historical fact and the ongoing injustices within this country and beyond its borders, it is more appropriate for people to stand up and express their ideas and beliefs rather than run away as Brian has suggested. Thirdly, to associate a person’s heartfelt beliefs and principles with money is cowardly. Mahmoud wasn’t living an American dream simply because he was earning a good salary. On the contrary, Mahmoud’s dream was realized and actualized through his hard work, dedication, commitment, honesty, and moral convictions, not money. I humbly encourage Brian to take a little time to become familiar with American history and contemporary history. Trying to confine, define, and associate someone’s moral convictions with their income be it small or large, is a reflection of the person’s weak personality (Brian) and lack of convictions not the one being targeted such as Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
kingsblade Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 2:28 am

Steve Watkins Said,

“@kingsblade

I agree with your statement # 1 - but this is not a flaw in my logic because I nevers said that wanting to live in the U.S is at odds with wanting things to change. Please don’t put words in my mouth. Everyone wants things to change in one way or another.

Your statement #2 says he was making a statement that he wanted change. How do you know? Isn’t that actually a “misguided assumption”? How do you go from a to z with no intervening premise? To support your premise, please answer my question - What is he actually doing to support change?”

Seriously? Fine I’ll play along.

1. I didn’t put words in your mouth, you just seem to have no idea what it is you said. You said his action shows that he thinks the US is a terrible place to live and that he is a hypocrite for living there. What your statement means whether you want it to or not is that anyone who acts in protest is a hypocrite for living in the country they protested.

Also…before complaining that I am “putting words in your mouth”….if you don’t want your words to mean something other than you intended them to mean, you should try considering your words and their meaning before committing to them.

2. A misguided assumption? Are you really pretending that a person who performs an act of protest is not advocating change of some sort? Are you really claiming that he was acting to protest nothing? The fact that a person is performing an act of protest demonstrates all by itself the desire for change. IT IS THE PREMISE. I don’t need to answer your question in support of my conclusion because A PERSON DOES NOT NEED TO ATTEMPT TO ENACT CHANGE IN ORDER TO DESIRE CHANGE.

How does that follow in any way that a person cannot want change if they don’t act to support it? Especially considering your own statement that “everyone wants things to change in one way or another”…or are you also claiming that “everyone” is acting to support change?

@Brian

How can you claim the question of “why live here” has not been answered? The answer is simple. He likes it here. The fact that he committed an act of protest does not negate that fact and it is narrow-mindedness to insist that it does. I don’t approve of everything my parents did raising me and I protested vigorously many times, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t love my parents. He was not happy with a number of things happening in the country and so he protested…it does not necessarily mean he loves the country any less.

Here is a question for you - Do you think the people who protested the Vietnam war so vehemently been asked “why live here?” Do you believe that their protests meant they hated America or did they just protest the things being done even though they still loved their country?

I’m not trying to put him on a level with those people because he is not, and the truth is that I am still undecided as to my personal opinion on the issue, but the analogy stands. Why can a person not act in protest while still loving their country?
kingsblade Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 2:35 am

@Brian

I should add that I very much agree with the primary point of your second post - that there were much better ways to send his message. I don’t believe he acted hastily, but probably unwisely.

I also believe that his obligation, if one exists, to stand during the anthem does not stem from his citizenship, but from his membership in the NBA.

I have an interesting observation about this as a Canadian. We simply do not get as excited as many Americans do over things like this, but if a player at an NHL game decided to sit during the Anthem he would more than likely have his ass handed to him within the first 10 minutes of the game. Not even so much as a matter of patriotism but because it would be expected. I wonder why so many of the other players seemed not to care that he didn’t stand, especially taking into account the more excitable nature of many Americans concerning matters of patriotism.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 8:56 am

@kingsblade

What you meant by what you said whether you really wanted to mean it or not was …. give me a break

Why don’t you go get yourself a taperecorder and talk into it, pretending it is me. Say something that you wish I had said, then play it back. Then argue all you want over that.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 9:31 am

@kingsblade

Maybe you should learn to read - This is exactly what I said, going back to my original post:
“Go someplace else if you hate the country so bad”.

In a second post, i clarified what I meant:
“if Mahmoud hates the country to the point where he doesn’t want to do anything positive - if he only wants to tear the country down, then he should go somewhere else.”

In your last post, you told me what I really meant was:
“anyone who acts in protest is a hypocrite for living in the
country they protested”

Clearly, you put words in my mouth and that is NOT what I meant. I even gave examples of people who protested that I admired.

I will explain my position to you one last time. If you don’t get it this time, you’ll have to go ask someone else.

Very simply, it is hypocritcal to live in a country you espouse hatred for.

That’s it.
JoeyGeehad Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 10:04 am

M.A.R. aka Chris was young and not very well thought out. A little knowledge can be dangerous because he really didn’t know how to process it.

Reminds me of the Damon Wayans character on In Living Colour,.. the prison muslim who used all the big words incorrectly,.. he sounded intelligent until you really listened and realized that he was rambling confusion.

Chris Jackson was not very smart about it. He only hurt himself and his family. Ask him now what he really accomplished with the method he chose? If he’s honest he will tell you he chose the wrong method.
Brian Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 1:40 pm

@Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem This guy is amazing! In one post he not only put words (and thoughts, and feelings) in my mouth and head, but he also explained exactly what Chris Jackson was feeling at the time. Amazing. How about you READ what I am writing before responding to it? READ IT ALL. Don’t respond sentence by sentence. Read what I say. Because nothing that you said in your post had anything to do with the point I am making. I never told the guy to leave, or run away from problems, or be a coward. And Thanks for the family history lesson about Chris Jackson. I didn’t realize that nothing he did was for money. And that just because I mentioned one of the reasons he may want to stay in America would be that BIG NBA salary, that makes me a bad person? Are you kidding me? An NBA player is usually retired by the age of 35. The average person doesn’t retire for another 25 years after that usually! You don’t think this guy needed money to provide for his family? Be real.

@kingsblade: I don’t know what people who opposed the Vietnam war were thinking at the time. There is a huge difference between the two scenarios as you explained. Just because he protested the US by sitting down doesn’t mean that he has to leave the country. Nor does it mean that anyone who protests needs to leave. The point I have made multiple times, although apparently not clear enough to most of the people here, is that if he wanted to REALLY protest and get his point across and show his true feelings, he should have left the country. That is what would have been most effective. And it may have brought about some positive change. Leaving the country would have been a much better way of showing his beliefs than just sitting down during the National Anthem. But just like all those people who complain about the wars, and who complain about America, he wanted to live here and enjoy the freedoms that we are granted in America.

Please don’t say “freedom? he got blackballed from the NBA just for sitting down!” That is BS. #1, the NBA was his job. I don’t know about any of you, but I don’t have the ability to do whatever I want at my job without facing consequences. #2, He still played in the NBA after this happened and his numbers dropped big time. He made contract demands that no one wanted to meet so he went overseas, like so many other undersized guards do in the NBA (The guy is 6 feet tall and weighs about 160). Stop praising him as if he is some sort of messiah that did this revolutionary thing. It’s an interesting story, he seems like a nice guy, but he messed up and here we are.

…And do me a favor. When responding to this, please don’t put words in my mouth or try and analyze what kind of person I am. None of you know me, or anything about me. Just because you are Muslim or black doesn’t mean that you can condescendingly explain the history of African Americans in the US. It has nothing to do with any point that I made whatsoever. Thank you.
kingsblade Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 4:08 pm

@Steve Watkins

You really don’t get it? It doesn’t matter what you meant, it matters what you said.

As simple as you think your position is the answer is even simpler…sitting out the national anthem DOES NOT EQUAL hatred towards the US.

There is no logical progression without intervening premises from one to the other. I don’t need to learn to read, you need to learn simple logic.
kingsblade Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 4:24 pm

@Brian

1. Thank you for pointing out the difference between the two scenarios. The only problem is that I already stated that there is a huge difference so I do not know what the point was. However even taking the difference into account the analogy makes sense, and I stand by it until you can give a valid reason why it should not stand. Simply repeating the fact, which I already clarified, that they are very different situations does not qualify as a valid reason. Can you think of any reason why he should leave the country to make his point but Vietnam protesters should not have done the same?

2. I also agreed that there were better ways to carry out his protest, but why is leaving the country the best way? The fact that he wants to protest something here does not equate to his preferring to be somewhere else. You keep saying he should leave to really make his point, but why does he have to leave his country just to protest?

Here is an example:

Country 1 has problems A, and B.

Country 2 has problems A, B, C, D, and E.

Your position here seems to be that if a citizen of country 1wants to protest problems A and B then he needs to go live in country 2 in order to really make his point. That is ignorant at best.

3. I don’t quite see how the last two paragraphs relate to me at all but I will respond anyways. A) I never said anything about any blackballing. I have no idea why you are even saying that to me. B) If you bothered to read my posts you would already know that I think he was wrong to act as he did from a job standpoint, so I have no idea why you are talking about that either. C) At what point did I praise him? I have repeatedly stated my indecision regarding my stance on his protest and I repeatedly stated that I think he probably made a poor decision, so what are you talking about? D) I don’t even know where to begin on your last paragraph, because if that is seriously directed in any way towards me then you are a lost cause and this conversation is pointless.
Brian Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 6:04 pm

@kingsblade the only paragraph that was toward you is the one that includes your name.

“I don’t know what people who opposed the Vietnam war were thinking at the time. There is a huge difference between the two scenarios as you explained.”

That is from my last post, and that is one of the first lines I say to you. What does that say in the end? ‘AS YOU EXPLAINED.”

So there goes your first point of simply complaining about what I said and begging for credit, even though it was already given to you in the first place.

I don’t know if leaving the country is the best way to do it. However, I do believe that leaving the country would have been a BETTER way to get his point across, and people would have taken notice. Brandon Jennings left the country to play basketball in Italy because he didn’t like the rule the NBA put in place of not being able to come straight out of high school. He is doing quite well in the NBA now, and people are going to follow his lead, for better or worse, and go overseas, and this will happen until another rule change comes about from the NBA. He took a strong action. He went against the norm. And it worked out for him. Brandon Jennings had nothing negative to say about the US, so I am not lumping the two together. I am just giving an example of how doing something drastic could lead to some changes in how people view the norm. Everyone ripped him when he left, now everyone says he made the right move. On top of that, like i said, it could lead to more things down the road. The only thing that happened as a result of what Chris Jackson did was people got upset with him. He never had that moment of people saying “Ooohh, so THAT’s why you did that! I now see your point of view! Thanks for taking such a strong stance for what you believe in.” I think that may have happened had he left the country or done something bigger. I don’t know how else to explain it to you people. It doesn’t even seem that most of us are disagreeing on this main point, so I am going to stop arguing with people who have the same stance as me. Just don’t call me ignorant when you aren’t taking the time to understand what I am saying.

And Kingsblade, just so I don’t confuse you, not all of that was directed to you.
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 7:50 pm

It’s really amazing how some people are involved in the life of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf while they don’t really know him or care to know him. Mahmoud never intended on making his not standing during the singing of the national anthem a political statement. He wasn’t engaged in a protest exercise. He was simply minding his own business and some person or persons in Denver (who didn’t agree with Mahmoud’s reversion/conversion to Islam and subsequent name change) got involved in his personal business and turned this very personal issue into a national issue. The issue really was a first amendment issue that somehow snowballed into a violation of his right of freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom to abide by one’s religious convictions. Actually, the interview that revealed only some of what Mahmoud said, was hidden from the public. Sports reporter David DuPree mentioned this on television saying, “Mahmoud’s statement and views about the national anthem and this country were not fully shared with the public.” Consequently, those who own and control the media only presented to the public what they wanted the public to know about Mahmoud. They were malicious, unfair, and motivated by a dislike for Islam and the Muslim community - here and abroad. Their aim was to ruin Mahmoud’s career which has been done to many people in this country who express views and ideas counter to their views and ideas. Finally, it is true that Mahmoud continued to play in the NBA after the national anthem incident took place. However, the undue stress and strain this incident put on him and his family was incredible. Furthermore, some of the coaches who were involved in Mahmoud’s career also drifted away from honoring their professional relationship with him. One of them outright lied about his playing time. Another coach caved in to pressure from outside groups who didn’t want Mahmoud to regain his popularity with his fan base. And while some of the players stood up for him (most of them spoke quietly and privately), they weren’t willing to risk their professional standing with their NBA employers by supporting a player who was and continues to well-liked, admired, and respected around the world. I wish some of the people who are writing on this blog had a chance to meet Mahmoud. They may or may not find him likeable, although I believe 99% of those meeting and communicating with him will find him very humble and likeable. But knowing Mahmoud, he really doesn’t shape or design his life around gaining acceptance and approval from people. He is a man who lives by his own convictions and principles. And in today’s world, people who live by principles and convictions that are not viewed as popular pay a price. Mahmoud paid a price for his convictions. But in the big picture of life, he won and continues to win. He didn’t lose the ultimate and most precious human prize which is his integrity. self-worth, and convictions. For this reason he is loved and respected around the world by people of conscience and conviction.
xcvxcv Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 9:38 pm

one of the best fee throw shooters ever, period. Him and shaq and fat ass Roberts used to ball it up at LSU, wooh that was a good team
d t cuthrell Said,

February 8, 2010 @ 11:46 pm

to all those hating on this brother for making a statement on a song penned while we as slaves in this country had no say,and still suffer the ills,but support,and try to bring about change in this racist country should hope that Allah stay stay his will and not have this country reap what it sows,but i hope there is justice in the universe,because reading most of these post shows racist america stills thinks they are lords of the universe
gabriel morgan Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 2:58 am

I’m glad this man of conscience made it through and is still doing what he loves. Athletes are professionals, not field hands or marines. Does an opera singer have to pay a hypocritical tribute to the Marine Corps or the Flag before performing? Does an entertainer like David Letterman have to sing the anthem before cracking his first joke?

Basketball is a sport and when I am watching the game, which I love, I could care less about the infidelities, webcasts, family matters or private beliefs of players. I don’t tune in to hear the #@#@ anthem either. If you are devoting yourself to a craft or a game you should be judged on performance only. If you have sold your ass to a brand, on the other hand, that is a whole different game. The real disgraces are the corporate punks. They strut their “greatness” and machismo but they have lipstick on their ass for the corporations.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

@kingsblade

You say that I am wrong about all of this - he is just making a protest and has shown no hatred towards the U.S. What about all of this crap about being blackballed by the NBA over expressing his religious beliefs? First of all, there are HIGHLY REVERED Muslims who spent years in the NBA, such as Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Also he played for Sacramento for two years AFTER this national anthem crap hit the fan and his performance was way down. He then left the league for two or three years and Vancouver put him on their roster at he age of 31. Bottom line is you can’t be on the roster of an NBA team 5 years after all of this happened and then claim you are being blackballed because of it.

Also, what about this claim that the KKK burned down his house? First of all, he said he predicted it, which is suspicious. Also, If the KKK burns down the house of one of the top scorers in the NBA, there is going to be an investigation and people are going to hear about it. So what are the results of the investigation? Was there an investigation? I haven’t heard anything have you? If someone wanted to make a false claim that the KKK burned down their house, do you think that person would be pushing for an investigation over it.

Now I am sure you have an advanced logical formula where you plug in all of your variables, apply some logical operators and pop out the words “U.S. PATRIOT MAKING PROTEST”, but I just don’t have access to that advanced logic. I happen to be a little suspiscious. Maybe that is because I am just an “excitable American”. In my American brain, he seems to be spreading malicious lies about the U.S. out of hatred.

If I am wrong, then I sincerely hope that the U.S. becomes a country where people can live in peace while freely expressing their religious views, free of persecution.
MB Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 3:17 pm

The man has a right to express his opinion.
And the rest of us have the right to reject him for it.

He got to express his opinion, maybe he didn’t think about the consequences. I have the “right” to go into my boss’s office and call him the worst name you can imagine. That doesn’t mean he has to just sit there and say “well I’m sorry you think feel that way, I wish I could fire you but you DO have the right to free speech”. Ridiculous, he would rightfully fire me on the spot. People on here saying there was a “violation of his right of freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, and freedom to abide by one’s religious convictions” have it all wrong.This isn’t about rights, he wasn’t jailed for what he did.

This is about respect. By not standing, he refused to pay an incredibly small donation in the form of a gesture of respect to the men and women who HAVE DIED to protect his right to be able to make millions to play a game that he would play for free!

The consequence for not paying that toll was not large enough, in my opinion.
Danny Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 4:29 pm

Props to you man for doing what you did
phatkat Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 4:40 pm

Hey Deuce Said,

guess what guy/gal/gay/whatever,

you said “i have been in combat in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afgan”, but the question is, do you know why you were there?

all Muslim countries too eh? interesting…i’m wondering, did you go to college/university? probably not, because i think it’s amazing that someone without formal education, or post secondary education can walk around with a license to kill….something not right there…you, like many others, don’t have the mental capacity nor the social development to know what it’s like to be empowered with a weapon and to use it responsibly…

you have been given the power and the resources, you force your way into other peoples’ backyards (unarmed people of course) and your ego takes over. i wonder how many people you’ve abused? how many women (men?) you’ve sexually assaulted? how many times you pistol beat someone because they didn’t listen to you…hmmmm…i wonder

so, anyway, why should brother Rauf move to? perhaps to one of the countries you’ve conquered so that you can enforce the “american way” on him and his family?

let me ask you a question big boy, when was the last time one of the many countries in this wonderful world tried to come into the United States with their army present? i would say never. unless you know something i don’t?

don’t you see you idiot? the United States are the terrorizers…they are the gangsters, the murderers, the thieves…they walk into everyone’s land to rob it of it’s natural resources…for power…have you heard of something called Oil? do some research, find out how many countries in this world that don’t harvest oil, and than see if the united states tried to entering those countries to bring “political and social balance” to their society. chances are you won’t see it. because the united states don’t care about countries that offer shit to them. do you understand? also, if you want to learn about politics without discrimination, go to Canada, where it’s neutral, and learn about unbiased politics in the united states…so much corruption that you’ll probably want to sit on a grenade…but i don’t believe in suicide…

which leads me to another topic….suicide bombers! wow, these poor people have nothing to defend themselves with, against weapons of mass destruction, so they get some household chemicals and make a toy bomb that may destroy a small car, kill some people…but you know what? these are desperate people…i don’t agree with what they’re doing but you have to be fucking retarded if you don’t know why they’re doing it…..

look at you…think you’re cool caused you served for “big brother”…you need to be bitch slapped…just because i don’t like a tv show shall i throw my 72″ plasma out the window? nope, i just change the fucking channel…Rauf doesn’t agree with the national anthem, it’s not the end of the world, just the first step in exercising his human rights…you know, the one provided by the United States?

you too, my friend, are a fucking hip-o-cock…

you’d probably slap your parents for not saluting you…sad…a person who takes a country over a human being..
phatkat Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

@BRIAN

this is simple and short…you are without a doubt, the dumbest, numbest, bed wetter here…here, let me rephrase it so that you can understand… Brian is lyke um so um stoopid and um duznt no inithng eksept foure um having de interncontintntalcourse with his sister…

but seriously, you should stop writing now and put your thumb back in your mouth and go to sleep. and dream of fucking SGT Steven Watkins…

piece of shit
Steve Watkins Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

@phatkat

So what happened in Bosnia? The U.S put a stop to the slaughter of many Muslims. How much oil did we take out of there? None.

What happened in Kuwait? The U.S. ended the aggression of a ruthless dictator against a neighboring Muslim country.

What happened in Afghanistan? The U.S responded to a cowardly act on 9/11 and took no oil. By the way, what kind of Human Rights record does that country have under the Taliban? These cowards routinely rape women, murder and persecute anyone who is non-Muslim.

What happened in Haiti in the past month? Who offered by far more assistance than any country in the world?

I could go on and on. By the way the U.S. doesn’t invade countries and steal their oil. The U.S government is a big zero when it comes to helping the U.S oil industry. The entire country is pretty much against the oil industry and screws them at every turn.
DS Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

142 friggin commends for Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf are u fckin kidding me. It sucks that he was blackballed in the NBA though. I guess he violated his moral clause lol.
Ray Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 10:17 pm

@MB and @ Phill

I completely agree with you and think both of your explanation fits best to what happened with Mahmoud… As an American Muslim I salute you for that.

@ Steve Watkins
@Brian and to all the others that talked about leaving this country and and and…

There is no doubt in my mind that you’re honestly the worst and dumbest people I have ever heard talk about freedom, rights and whats right or wrong. people like you disgust me for the same reason that you are the same individuals that have no guts to stand up for something you disagree with. I bet you that if we are ever at a setting talking about faith, politics… you are the same people that will agree then disagree when you’re by yourselves because you have no BALLS to stand for your rights.

In Conclusion We would all love if you could stop writing and just keep viewing the blogs as they go. thank you!!
Abdul-Rauf on ‘96 anthem storm: ‘No team wanted to touch me’ | Hot NBA Videos.com Said,

February 9, 2010 @ 10:48 pm

[...] anthem storm: ‘No team wanted to touch me’ Feb10 10 February 2010, topnba @ 3:48 am In an outstanding interview with HoopsHype.com, ex-NBA guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who gained notoriety for his refusal to stand for "The [...]
kingsblade Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 2:30 am

@Brian

“That is from my last post, and that is one of the first lines I say to you. What does that say in the end? ‘AS YOU EXPLAINED.”

So there goes your first point of simply complaining about what I said and begging for credit, even though it was already given to you in the first place. ”

I felt the need ot restate it because you felt the need to explain something to me I clearly understood. Way to avoid the actual issue though. It almost seems like your little “ha ha I already gave you credit for that” really cleared the air about why you think the analogy doesn’t work.

Why don’t you try addressing the point?

“And Kingsblade, just so I don’t confuse you, not all of that was directed to you.”

Right. FYI. Generally if people change addressee mid conversation they provide an indicator. Well done again though, pretending it’s my fault that you didn’t segway.

RE: Brandon Jennings. Here is an example of an analogy that doesn’t work. Yes my analogy had people in different situations but the comparison made sense. This does not.

The decision Jennings made was not any sort of protest. He simply chose what he felt was the best career path given the current rules. Why do you call it a strong action? The fact that he chose to go get paid for his one year instead of going to college is drastic? It may be uncommon, but that hardly counts as being contrarian.

But forget about it. I’m tired of the conversation, especially since I don’t really disagree with you, I just disagree with a few of your thoughts on the matter.
kingsblade Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 2:44 am

@Steve Watkins

I’m not using any advanced logic, it would just be nice if your premises actually led to the conclusions you make.

You are claiming that the things he said mean he hates America.

The problem is that they do not mean that. They do not come anywhere near that conclusion on their own. All they mean is that he was angry, likely at the NBA, and at the situation he was in, regardless of whether or not it was his own fault.

There is nothing resembling a show of hatred anywhere. Just anger.

So tell me, do you hate everything that has made you angry?
kingsblade Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 2:50 am

Here is how I see it.

He acted stupidly and immaturely. He probably thought he knew the potential backlash, but he was wrong. He probably should have exhibited his protest another way.

HOWEVER….

I find it incredible that some people want to make the leap from that to - “he hates America”, or “he is a hypocrite for staying here,” or “if he hates it here he should leave.”

The gap between his action and those reactions is enormous and I cannot understand how so many people think such disproportionately large responses are appropriate.

So…yes I think he was likely wrong, but no I do not think he is a hypocrite or should leave the country to make his point.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 8:41 am

@kingsblade

It doesn’t do any good to talk to you because you don’t respond to what I say and make up weird philosophical, bullshit such as “Do you hate what makes you angry”? I regret getting involved in a discussion with you - it has become embarassing.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 8:47 am

@RAY

Go fuck yourself
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

Some of the foul, filthy language being used around this discussion is highly inappropriate. Not only is Mahmoud admired and respected by millions of adults around the world, young people follow his career as well. This blog is supposed to reflect intelligent comments about Mahmoud Abdul Rauf and the issue that took place nearly 14 years ago. Everyone has the right to express what they think, but how about toning down the foul language. In a strange way, the use of this foul language is a reflection of what Mahmoud was actually rejecting through his actions. His choice not to stand during the national anthem was only one expression that ran counter to “popular culture.” For example, during the NBA playoffs a few years ago, Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics was injured. Whenever the cameras showed him on the bench, he was cursing, and cursing loud and strong. It was shameful, distasteful, disrespectful, and ugly. The following Monday, I called the Boston Celtics office to complain about his use of foul language. I humply and politely suggested to one of their public relations officials to ask Kevin to tone down his foul language. It seems like this humble suggestion worked (and I’m sure other people called as well) because whenever Kevin was shown during subsequent games, he was cheering on his teammates, but he wasn’t using a barrage of curse words similar to what he’d used before. I’m sure Kevin knows that hundreds of thousands of young people view NBA games. And I believe he isn’t intentionally trying to teach them the art and mannerisms of cursing considering the violence and ugly behavior we’re living with today in this country. Kevin, like many other athletes, curse because this kind of language has been used and accepted for a long, long time. It has become an acceptable feature of modern culture. But the question is: Is cursing in such a profane, intense manner a correct mode of civilized behavior? I say it isn’t no matter how many players, coaches, or fans use it. Mahmoud Abdul- Rauf in his own way was trying to be truthful and honest with his own thoughts and feelings. He could be called a “purist” meaning, he was seeking and continues to seek to live by a high standard of principles he applies to himself and the world around. LIke most of us who live in this country, we want the American government and society to distinguish itself based on its sense of universal justice, fair treatment of all people, morality, ethics, industry, creativity…. Like he said, “there are many good things about America and there are many bad things about America.” I believe anyone with a sound mind and clean heart who heard or read such a statement would agree with it. One of the statements that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made prior to his assassination was, “America was the most violent nation on the earth.” Without revisiting the historical facts and reality of the time, this statement was true then, and continues to be true today (look at the wars, invasions, occupations, death, destruction, political intrigue, media manipulation etc.). And finally, I hope we will use this occasion to learn something useful and meaningful. We don’t have to speak and think with one voice, but we should speak and think in a respectful, dignified manner. Mahmoud’s constitutional right not to stand during the singing and playing of the national anthem was a “thinking man/woman’s moment.” There was nothing in his NBA contract that ordered or compelled him to stand during the playing or singing of the national anthem. Sadly, the occupied, controlled media saw it as an opportunity to torture, scorch, and ruin a Muslim-athlete’s career. What they didn’t understand or imagination was, Mahmoud ever since that development took place, has become an even more beloved and respected man of conscience around the world. He broke down the barrier and myth that says, “all athletes are jocks (non-thinkers, ignorant, and fools).” Yes it is true. Their effort to disrupt his income was accomplished. But life is much more than a few bucks, no matter how many or how few bucks one receives. In the end, all people will be measured by the richness of their conscience and principled behavior. Mahmoud earned an A+ in these subjects, and he continues to do very well in both areas, thanks to The Almighty.
Mahmoud Abdul - Rauf interview Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 1:25 pm

[...] What do you think is the perception NBA fans have of you after all the controversy about the anthem? MAR: You
kingsblade Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 7:51 pm

It’s not philosophical bullshit you barely literate moron.

I responded very directly to what you said. You are presuming that his statements reflect a hatred towards your country and I argued that his statements reflect nothing more than anger. Is that really such a difficult concept for you?

I asked a very straightforward question, posed to display the absurd flaws in your reasoning. I am pointing out that a person acting out of anger does not automatically hate the thing he is angry at.

Unfortunately anything beyond a dull “grrrr him said something bad, him must hate America” seems beyond your comprehension. I have no idea why I even bothered trying to discuss anything you because what IS embarrassing is your tenuous grasp on anything approaching rational thought.
kingsblade Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

@Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem

If you try using the “Enter” key now and then I might even read that post of yours.
Matthew Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 9:08 pm

I love the comments of some of the naive people on here who seem to be basically saying “be glad you live in a country where you’re free to believe what you want to believe and start believing what we tell you too!”
Hypocracy at its best.
While i don’t personally agree with that MAR did, I whole heartedly respect what he did and will always defend his right to do it. This is what a “free country” is about. It’s about having the right to disagree. It’s about having the right to stand up for what you believe in regardless of whether the majority or people agree or disagree with you.
Too many people seem to think that freedom means you should simply agree with what is considered to be to social norm on not what you feel to be right/true/correct.
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 10, 2010 @ 9:20 pm

I wonder if some of the readers and writers on this blog are familiar with Brandon Roy’s (star player with the Portland Trailblazers) preference to pray alone during the playing/singing of the National Anthem. According to what I recently read, he too like Mahmoud, doesn’t stand and reportedly remains in a tunnel praying before games start. One might ask: How come the media hasn’t made such a big fuss about Brandon’s conduct? One possible answer is because Brandon isn’t a Muslim as much as I know and therefore, some of the hatred and prejudice that was directed towards Mahmoud is being withheld from Brandon. It’s my hope that Brandon will continue to pray before his games if that’s what his belief, faith, and conscience is telling him to do. I admire him for sticking with his convictions. If we had more people like Brandon and Mahmoud, who are true to their convictions, our troubled world would be much better. This development should be an eye-opener for those who prefer truth over falsehood. Brandon, Mahmoud, and others who stand firm by their convictions should be applauded and respected, especially when such practices and beliefs run counter to the mainstream.
Nikko Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 2:06 am

Who could forget this guy, he was highlight material. I can remember him posterizing some of the bigs during his heydays in the NBA.
His style of play was very much suited for the NBA, athletic point guard with a nice shooting touch. Although wasn’t much of a passer being a career 3.5 apg. Could have had a longer NBA career, if he was more of a team player i think. But I enjoyed watching him. Cheers! Kudos to the top ten plays!
Steve Watkins Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 8:04 am

@Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem

This concept of refusing to stand for the national anthem is a a big hit for many people, as expressed here. Josh Howard and Brandon Roy also partake in the activity.

Apparantly this is a form of protest. What I don’t understand is, what exactly are these people protesting. They don’t say. There are many, many issues that they may be protesting. If these people want positive change, why don’t they come out and say exactly waht it is they want changed?

One of the most important issues for the Obama administration apparantly is the inclusion of gays in the military. I happen to think that the economy is a much more important issue, but maybe Roy and Howard are refusing to stand because they want gays in the military. See, no one knows unless they actually say something. At that point, the problem can be addressed. Until then this activity of refusing to stand is purely negative.

Personally, I would like the Obama administration to get off of gays in the military and other hangups of his administration and start focusing on the economy; start working and communicating with businesses, especially small businesses in this country to determine what policies would encourage more hiring because their current approach demonstrates that they have no clue. If I could get him to to do that by refusing to stand for the national anthem at a basketball game, then I would do that. But that approach is foolish.
phatkat Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 10:38 am

@STeve Watkins,

hi Steve, sorry if i’m aggressive here, but being a Muslim i have a huge Muslim community that i chill out with, some liberal some conservative, and a lot from the aforementioned countries we spoke about, and according to them the real monsters are the United States.

now don’t get me wrong, i’m sure there are amazing soldiers who do amazing things, but if you’re going to think there are no power hungry, egotistical soldiers out there than truly you are kidding yourself. power, corruption, these things come from holding a gun and having the US flag on your shirt or hat or pants when you’re abroad.

it comes with the territory. shit happens and the victims are the very people whose homes were entered.

now, tell me, why was Georgie Bush so adamant about going to Iraq and taking out Saddam? The UN said hell no, and the US said hell yeah and with their own authority went in. the US sold the weapons of mass destruction to Iraq, this is public knowledge by now…so why did they sell them the weapons? do you know how many dictators were put in place by the US in their designated countries to carry out the US biddings? and when shit doesn’t go their (US) way than these very same dictators become “public enemy” number one and through propaganda and false facts and shit.

also, i was just using “oil” as an example, i did mention “natural resources” meaning who knows what the US wants from where and for what reason…it’s a mystery, well, not the “for what”, it’s for power and knowledge, and to limit everyone else’s nuclear weapons and shit…

tell me my dear Watkins, why is it that the US is allowed to have Nukes but if anybody else has it they have to be “disarmed”?

and in regards to the Taliban….do you really believe everything you read and hear? they’ve been fine for hundreds of years…you think all of a sudden they’ve become a threat? because the US says so? why don’t you buy a plane ticket, and go to Afghanistan and find out for yourself…because i have a lot of Afghani friends and the Taliban was never an issue with them.

i live in a predominantly jewish area, and i love the area. in fact, i love the people around me as well. we live in harmony. when i go to the gym i work out with a lot of jewish people. lots of israelis. we’re buddies…and you know what? they tell me everything in the news is bullshit. they also tell me that the israeli govt is wrong and it’s not a religious thing but a power thing. they want to own the land and kick the palestinians out or push them back.

buddy, these israelis that i work out with, some of them are in their 70s and 80s…and they can recite a lot of the Quran. they tell me that when they were living in israel the unity between them and the palestinians were very strong. they were neighbors and shit…when Ramadan would come and he muslims went to the mosques they would leave their children with the jews…and vice versa….and i believe what they say because they are proud jews and proud israelis….

so you should really get your facts straight before making assumptions, because it’s a fact that everything you say is heresay and are nothing but assumptions. until you go see for yourself you shouldn’t talk about it.

and if you’re really serious about proving your country right, go to these countries and see for yourself.

honestly, i’m not trying to provoke hatred, because i hate hatred. this is such a small world we live in, we should be worried about our health, and our children, and our own living and survival. why are we making issues over the national anthem? who cares? your country will do things you like and don’t like. your parents will do things you like and don’t like. your friends will do things you like and don’t like. what you gonna do, boycot everybody and everything and live under a rock? get over it. shit happens. the world is not perfect. but you as an individual can make it better by not making life hard for someone. Rauf wanted to play ball in the NBA. he did for a while, but it was taken away from him. for stupid reasons. he’s still playing. and as long as he has health i’m sure he’ll always play, insha’Allah..but really, we’re not kids, and this is not a game…if he offended somebody so what. you offend people. i offend people. and most of the time it’s unintentional. we don’t all have the same beliefs. we don’t all see things through the same pair of eyes. but we have to respect each others opinions. even the retarded KKK have a right to say whatever the hell they want to say. but actions are taking things too far. an opinion is one thing, burning down a house or kicking someone out of the NBA is for the color of your skin or the religion you take is morally wrong.

come on Watkins, lets stop worrying about the bullshit, because there will always be bullshit. and assholes are like opinions, everyone’s got to have one…so…fuck it…just do what you gotta do and respect others for what they gotta do…
Steve Watkins Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 11:40 am

phatkat,

Thank you for your response. I happen to agree with you on some of these issues. My personal opinion is that the decision to invade Iraq was foolhardy. I think Bush was paranoid about weapons of mass destruction and also influenced by Saddam’s attempted assasination of his father. Whatever his reasons, it was definately not for economic gain or for the recovery of any natural resources because this decision has cost the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition, it upset the balance of power and created a problem with Iran who is now a threat to the entire region. Bush was just not very bright but in his defense, Saddam’s record said that he could not be trusted.

As far as the American soldiers, I have great respect for these men who are under fire, constantly. Thousands of these men are brought back regularly to the U.S. either dead or severly wounded for life. You are right I have not been over there but I am very aware of thes soldiers broiught back over here. War is brutal for both sides and the answer is to not get involved in war to begin with.

As far as Afghanistan, the Taliban supported Al-Queda who attacked the U.S. on 9/11 and the U.S. was forced to respond to this cowardly act. The Taliban I am sure has been around for a long time with a terrible Human Rights record but the U.S would not have invaded if the Taliban had no involvement in 9/11.

I am glad there are fair-minded Israelis that you work out with. I have always believed that the Israelis are heavy-handed in their approach to the Palestineans. The Israeli government causes a lot of problem for the U.S. because they are driven by power and greed and do not care about Human Rights. The U.S. supports them only because they are a democracy.
Abe Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 2:29 pm

Respect to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf… This man is a true leader, a leader with soul and spirit, one who stands up for whatever he thinks is right. May god bless you and your efforts, you shall live a peaceful life!
Steve Watkins Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 7:12 pm

@phatkat

On your question about the nukes - why the U.S. is allowed to have them but no one else - what you would do if you were a U.S. president. The U.S. was the first country to get Nukes. What would happen if you decided that it is not fair that you should have them but not everyone else. So you spread Nukes to every country in the world.

Any ruthless dictator who gets hold of them is going to use them. Whowever got bombed is going to respond, as well as their allies. That leads to further response, etc. and we quickly have WWIII.

The last thing the U.S. wants is WWIII and we also know that there are enough countries out there that could respond right now so we know not to ever use them. The more these nukes spread, the greater chance they will end up in the hands of a ruthless dictator or some crazy tyrant.

On that basis, it is our humanitarian duty to prevent the spread of these weapons. It may not seem fair but it is in the interest of human rights.

phatkat - you seem like a decent man and I am impressed with what you have to say. I agree with you about the national anthem - it really is bullshit. No big deal.
Ray Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 8:21 pm

@ Steve watkins,

I refrained myself in the beginning not to use inappropriate language, however I believe someone as dumb as you are will only get that kinda language.

In conclusion your mouth and my ass have one thing in common, you both know how to fart very well LOOOOOL
diogenes Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 8:26 pm

I have NO sympathy for Abdul-Rauf whatsoever. He got what he deserved career wise in the nba for being such a )*+*^% idiot! His views on 9/11 are a disgrace to every sane, thinking person in the country. I couldn’t care less about his actions during the national anthem, as long as they were not actively disrespectful. This actions were stupid too, though, given that a modicum of respect to ANYONE’s anthem (with some historical exceptions) is what anyone should be capable of showing. Like lots of people, including lots of athletes, Abdul-Rauf is pretty much totally brainless. Evolution in Action!
Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem Said,

February 11, 2010 @ 10:14 pm

One of the comments made by Steve is very interesting. He’s suggesting that people like Brandon Roy and Josh Howard state what concerns they have that cause them not to stand during the singing of the National Anthem. To Steve I would simply say: It would be wonderful if people like Mahmoud, Brandon, and Josh could express their thoughts without being penalized by forces that disagree with what they may be feeling. Look at what happened to Mahmoud. He took a principled stand regarding something he believed in and he was blackballed from the league. Anyone who believes in something meaningful and important knows there are consequences to taking a stand on an issue. However, when such people take stands on various issues, most people fail to support their right to express themselves. They don’t publicly support such people because they fear loss and harm that might come from supporting such people and issues. This is why people like Brandon and others (I’m assuming this is why) do what they do privately. Since they know the consequences of not falling in line with the crowd (Professor Norm Chomsky calls it “following the herd mentality”), they follow their hearts in a very private manner. Frankly, high paid athletes like Brandon and Josh are financial sources of help and relief for their families. I’m sure they do what they can to help not only their immediate families, but their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more. It’s a lot riding on what they say and do especially when the public at large is unwilling to support their right of freedom of expression. The real question is: Are people willing to call NBA Commissioner David Stern and NBA owners to complain about how they treat their players especially when their players choose to express themselves in ways not consistent with “the herd?” NBA players, the majority of whom are African-Americans, are not slaves and financial work-horses for billionaire NBA team owners, even though they are treated as such. Brandon, Josh, Mahmoud, and others probably have a lot to say and express about life in general. But sadly, if they share their thoughts and feelings with the public at large, they will be harmed. I believe everyone has the right to express his innermost convictions so long as they don’t harm anyone else. Standing or sitting in a tunnel, or sitting on the bench during the singing of the National Anthem is a harmless expression. If standing during the National Anthem is such a sacred and treasured part of American culture, then all people who attend sports events should be required to stand. As all of us know, many people don’t stand, especially some of the sports writers and journalist who very often are eating and drinking free meals inside media rooms. After they fill their stomachs with food and drink, they take their seats looking to stir up some story that will bring harm and discomfort to some innocent athlete. Even when they focus in on such stories, they are very selective. If they’re writing about a Muslim athlete who they don’t like (Mahmoud for example), it’s open season. Conversely, if it’s an athlete they like and who in some way directly or indirectly contributes to their salary base, they have very little to say or write. The time will soon arrive when more people will be brave enough to express themselves in public and private.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 10:10 am

Salahuddeen Abdul Kareem,

Thank you for your response. There are many Muslim athletes that are highly revered in the U.S., who speak out about controversial issues. Muhammed Ali is a prime example. If you really want something done, you have to speak up. Not everyone will like what they have to say and they may even lose some endorsement contracts. But one thing is certain, the government is not going to arrest you and torchure you like they do in Iran.
Steve Watkins Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 10:26 am

Ray,

I regret using inappropriate language and am putting an end to this childishness.
Joe D. Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 10:32 am

You Americans really have big issues with the terms “flag” “anthem” and “american (patriot)”. Do you think that the fact that you are not a nation with history and you were created by english, spanish and portuguese has anything to do with your constant need to state your country and your love for it? I have never seen a people of a country with great history to act that way. You are a nation of 450 years (max.) since the portuguese killed 150.000.000 natives when they arrived there (you obviously can’t claim their history as yours). Guys, the answer to that is one only: therapy. years and years of it.
Paulie Walnuts Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 5:14 pm

He had the right not to stand for the national anthem, that is his right as an American. But also, owners have the right not to hire him to play on their team. You cannot fault them for that. Every action has a reaction. If you do something to insult your boss, don’t expect to be employed for very long.
Don Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 7:30 pm

How hypocritical that a “poor, oppressed Muslim” would whine about not being embraced by American fans after refusing to stand for the national anthem and how predictable that Rauf apologists would criticize American fans & media for not embracing him. If he had been a non-Muslim doing something similar in a Muslim country like Saudi Arabia he would still be in prison almost 15 years later (if he was even still ALIVE)…”infidels” in Islamic countries are punished FAR MORE for doing FAR LESS!! So let’s drop this ridiculous DOUBLE STANDARD…

You made your choice based on your priorities and now you’re dealing with the consequences of your actions over a decade later…that is called reality, so DEAL with it!!
Ronald Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 9:35 pm

Dude had mad game. He could shoot from anywhere on the court. He was a good free throw shooter. He couldn’t guard a trash dumpster, though. He used to have a crazy crossover dribble. He didn’t have big numbers in assists, but if you were running with him, you had better be expecting the ball because dude threw some wild between the legs, over the shoulder, no look passes. I used to laugh at Dikembe because he had hands of stones and often the ball would hit him right in the face.
Ray Said,

February 12, 2010 @ 11:11 pm

@ Steve, its all good

OK. So in conclusions… No one can question Mahmoud’s game yes he could have been one of the NBAs top point guard that ever lived better yet (best of the best). unfortunately he did what he did and to that he paid and still paying the consequences.

I wish him and his family all the best and to his wife April I apologize on behalf of all the writers for using inappropriate language. As the blogs got heated our fingers might have fired some words we didn’t mean.
llperez22 Said,

February 13, 2010 @ 4:38 am

salahudden, you gotta stop making me laugh. NBA players are treated like slaves? Get out of here with that. That’s too funny.

As for rauf, i feel sorry for you that you and your family went through the difficulties of dealing with heartless and cowardly idiots who caused you trouble after your actions. It is unfortunate that so many people lack compasion. With that said, i completely disagree with your actions to not stand for the national anthem. We are all american. The religious, the atheist, the rich the poor, the black the white, etc… There are many things about this country that i do not agree with. But it is a great country and i’m a part of it. You made millions of dollars and had a great life thanks to america. The national anthem represents america, not the ideaologies of any one group or type of american, but all of it, including you and your family. To dissrespect the national anthem, you are dissrespecting everyone in this great country.
Don Said,

February 13, 2010 @ 3:46 pm

While Rauf was a solid player in his prime, he is CLEARLY the beneficiary of political correctness in this forum…to call him an all-time great is pure fabrication. A quick look at his stats reveal that he was a sensational free-throw shooter and solid (though not extraordinary) from behind the arc, but their was clearly no reason to believe that he lost more than 3-5 productive years in the NBA because of his controversial behavior and he would been forgotten already by most NBA fans if not for his 15 minutes of fame in 1996.

At age 40, he would have been at least 5 years removed from his NBA career by now and most likely would be playing today in some obscure pro league in Japan ANYWAY!!
Daniel Said,

February 15, 2010 @ 1:59 pm

Abdul-Rauf had one of the worst statistical rookie seasons in history. He was a below average player at his peak in 94-95 and 95-96 seasons and totally cratered after that. The reason he couldn’t get another shot in the NBA is because he was a really bad NBA player. His baggage combined with his poor production made him totally unattractive.
Black Jesus Said,

February 16, 2010 @ 11:04 am

the bulls went 72-10 one year…the best record in the NBA REGULAR SEASON EVER AND ARGUABLY THE BEST TEAM EVER…ABDUL-RAUF HAD HIS WAY WITH THIS TEAM. EVERY PLAYER ON THE TEAM TRIED TO STOP HIM. PIPPEN, JORDAN, KERR…PHIL JACKSON PUT THE WHOLE TEAM ON HIM. There was a montage of just Abdul-Rauf’s highlights…notice how they put up Jordan’s stats…I followed every college game of chris jackson, unlike Iverson, he never had an opponent he couldn’t subdue and never had an equal on the court…AND HIS SHOT WAS BETTER THAN RAY ALLEN AND BIRD’S COMBINED…LOL.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8crWY-INEn4
Jose Trujillo Said,

February 16, 2010 @ 3:36 pm

Great article on Abdul-Rauf, one of best Nuggets to play the game. Would like to have him on there team now.
Muhammad Said,

February 21, 2010 @ 2:07 am

To all the assholes asking “why does he live here if he does not like it” the answer is simple, but yet still too complicated for your simple little minds.

HE WAS BORN HERE AND HAS EVERY RIGHT TO LIVE HERE! AND WITH HIS FULL HUMAN RIGHTS.

Does anyone ever ask why george washington just didnt leave the colonies if he didnt like being under british rule? Why did those unruly white people start all that US revolution trouble if they truly did not like “taxation without representation” why didnt they take their white asses somewhere else?

Why is a black man who was born here and never part of the establishment told to leave, but a traitor like george washington(he was an officer in the british military) considered a hero for participating in a war and killing thousands people when he could simply have left the country if he didnt like it. Yes george washisgton, love it(british rule) or leave it you white devil.

And for the other idiots who think Mahmoud and any other black NBA/sports athletes should love america because they make millions of dollars, do you not realize that they could make the same amount of money(or more) playing in the euro league or china or wherever. Black athletes actually get payed more playing soccer in europe, Tiger’s (& the Williams sisters) biggest paydays are overseas. Lewis Hamilton makes way more than any NBA player and never has to even set foot in america. Mahmoud made millions in the NBA because he earned and deserved it, not because america is supposedly the best country in the world. He was clearly one of the best of what he did and deserved every penny of what he earned moreso than the owner who signed his checks. And standing for that stupid song has nothing to do with his paycheck or where he should live.

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Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: “After the anthem fiasco, no team wanted to touch me”

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