Word: rauf
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...recent controversy involving basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf imploded before it became a central national concern. But it's almost unfortunate in light of the legal, religious and moral issues it raised: Was the NBA's action consistent with American ideals of freedom of speech and expression? Was the suspension legal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act? Does Abdul-Rauf have legitimate religious grounds for his action? Does that have bearing on the soundness of his position...
Last Tuesday, Denver Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended without pay by the NBA for refusing to stand during the national anthem. Abdul-Rauf, an American citizen, converted to Islam in 1991. For the entire season he has remained in the locker room, sat and stretched, or turned away from the flag during the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner...
...recent weeks the Nuggets alerted the NBA of Abdul-Rauf's behavior, and the NBA asked the Nuggets to solve the problem quietly. But with the relocation of the Oklahoma City bombing trial to Denver, patriotism has become a major focus of the local press and talk radio programs. Once they got word of Abdul-Rauf's nightly disappearing act just prior to the playing of the anthem, the issue became increasingly public...
...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...