Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

[_Simpson_ 250]

I was playing trivial pursuit last night and was asked this question - What devout Muslim was suspended by the NBA in 1996 for refusing to stand during the Star Spangled Banner? The answer was Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Wikipedia -

Abdul-Rauf is perhaps best known for the controversy created when he refused to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games[2], stating that the flag was a "symbol of oppression" and that the United States had a long "history of tyranny". He said that standing to the national anthem would therefore conflict with his Islamic beliefs. On March 12, 1996, the NBA suspended Abdul-Rauf for his refusal to stand, but the suspension lasted only one game. Two days later, the league was able to work out a compromise with him, whereby he would stand during the playing of the national anthem but could close his eyes and look downward. He usually silently recited a Muslim prayer during this time.

Question is do you think that the NBA was right in suspending him? I agree with the NBA but think they let him off to easy.

I also had a question that was about snoop dog, I learned that he has a dog named whitey. I kind of found that funny.

[Peikko 1,575]

Why do sports teams have to be so bloody patriotic? It's only a flaming game, can't see why they have to play the anthem, period.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

You can't make people love their country. Frankly, you shouldn't even try.

The reason most Americans love their country so much is because America's earned it. When that ceases to be the case, the lack of love will also be deserved.

[_Simpson_ 250]

tradition maybe, I enjoy it unless they hack the song beyond recolonization

[Jenn! 918]

Why do sports teams have to be so bloody patriotic? It's only a flaming game, can't see why they have to play the anthem, period.

I can understand it when the National teams are playing, e.g. at the Olympics. But otherwise, i don't get it either.

[_Simpson_ 250]

You can't make people love their country. Frankly, you shouldn't even try.

The reason most Americans love their country so much is because America's earned it. When that ceases to be the case, the lack of love will also be deserved.

they werent asking him to love his country, just asking him to stand, a respect thing.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

tradition maybe, I enjoy it unless they hack the song beyond recolonization

you oppose recolonization?

[nyhazmat 2]

It's their league, they can make the rules. He has a choice, follow their rules or don't play in their league. I don't see the issue.....

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I imagine the vaunted principles of free speech would apply.

People don't have to like it.

It's their league, they can make the rules. He has a choice, follow their rules or don't play in their league. I don't see the issue.....

Is it a written rule though?

[_Simpson_ 250]

tradition maybe, I enjoy it unless they hack the song beyond recolonization

you oppose recolonization?

My spelling of this word was so bad that spell check could only come up with recolonization. I didn't question the almighty spell check, I should of *recognition*

[Peikko 1,575]

Why do sports teams have to be so bloody patriotic? It's only a flaming game, can't see why they have to play the anthem, period.

I can understand it when the National teams are playing, e.g. at the Olympics. But otherwise, i don't get it either.

Of course, National games/Olympics, if you want to flag wave, there's your opportunity but even then I don't think it has to be about that.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

There's also been a few athletes who have staged political protests at the Olympics. They get punished of course - but they're still free to do it.

[_Simpson_ 250]

Why do sports teams have to be so bloody patriotic? It's only a flaming game, can't see why they have to play the anthem, period.

I can understand it when the National teams are playing, e.g. at the Olympics. But otherwise, i don't get it either.

Of course, National games/Olympics, if you want to flag wave, there's your opportunity but even then I don't think it has to be about that.

"about that", hmm, athletes compete against each other under a flag. Your representing your country. It has alot to do with the flag as the flag represents the country your representing.

[HAL 9000 96]

Well some patriot should have just shot him.

[Peikko 1,575]

No, it has more to do with wanting to excel personally in a particular area of sport. It is much more about personal achievement than doing something for one's country.