Word: nba
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...most of the 1995-1996 NBA season, Denver Nuggets' star guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the national anthem prior to games. He would either stretch on the sidelines or remain in the locker room...
However, the NBA's rules require that all players stand and line up for the national anthem, and two days ago, Abdul-Rauf was suspended indefinitely without pay. He sat out one game, claiming he would never compromise his principles. But just yesterday, he agreed to line up with the rest of his team for the anthem, although he claimed that he would stand in silent prayer and would not recite the song's words...
Abdul-Rauf, despite his cowardice, was undeniably coerced to compromise his beliefs. His clash with the NBA demonstrates that his previous statements about oppression and tyranny were not foolish rantings. By making him stand for a ceremony which he personally opposes, the NBA has undermined the ideals of freedom which the "Star Spangled Banner" allegedly embodies. If America was truly the land of the free, Abdul-Rauf would be free not to participate in pre-game nationalistic rituals...
...Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who refused to stand during the playing of the national anthem because of his Islamic beliefs and was suspended by the NBA...
DENVER: The price of principle for Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is $31,707 per game. That's how much the Denver Nuggets guard is losing after being suspended by the NBA without pay for violating a league rule that requires players to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" during the national anthem. Abdul-Rauf, a devout Muslim, said he doesn't believe in standing for any nationalistic ideology. "My beliefs are more important than anything. If I have to give up basketball, I will," Abdul-Rauf said. "This country has a long history of (oppression...