ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, March 15, 1996 TAG: 9603150074
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEW YORK
SOURCE: Associated Press
The NBA lifted its suspension of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf on Thursday after the Denver Nuggets player agreed to stand during the national anthem, while also honoring his Islamic faith with a silent prayer.
Both sides got what they wanted: the league defused a controversy over freedom of religion and speech, and Abdul-Rauf regained the right to play while still preserving his ideals.
Saying he found a ``better approach'' but refusing to call it a compromise, Abdul-Rauf said he will line up alongside his teammates tonight in Chicago when the anthem is played before their game with the Bulls.
``I'll stand, I will offer a prayer, my own prayer, for those who are suffering - Muslim, Caucasian, African-American, Asian or whoever is in that position, whoever is experiencing difficulty. This is what I cry out for,'' Abdul-Rauf told ESPN.
Abdul-Rauf converted to Islam in 1991 and changed his name from Chris Jackson in 1993. This season, he began sitting out during the pre-game singing of ``The Star-Spangled Banner.''
The National Basketball Association suspended him indefinitely after he explained himself to television crews Tuesday, saying Islam forbids such forms of nationalistic worship and that the flag was a symbol of tyranny and oppression.
Other Muslim players and scholars disputed his interpretation.
At any rate, the NBA requires players to stand ``in a dignified posture'' while the national anthem is played before games. Abdul-Rauf's suspension cost him $31,707 for the game he missed Tuesday night.
``Now I recognize there is a better approach,'' Abdul-Rauf said. ``In Islam, you honor your contract. And if after making a decision, you see that which is better, you do that.''
``Am I sorry for it? Do I feel I'm wrong for doing what I did? No. This is what I believe. I'm not wrong for the stance I took. In no way am I compromising,'' Abdul-Rauf said.
The league lifted its suspension only minutes after he made the statement.
``The NBA has always required that on-court personnel stand while the anthem is played. We do not believe this is inconsistent with anyone's right to freedom of expression or religion,'' a league statement said.
``We are pleased that Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf has found a way to reconcile his personal beliefs with this long-recognized custom.''
Abdul-Rauf's compromise headed off a potential court fight involving the players' union, the league and Abdul-Rauf's representatives, who hashed the issue out all day Wednesday.
``We are relieved to get this behind us and very glad Mahmoud is back and ready to play basketball,'' said Charlie Lyons, president of the Nuggets' ownership group.
LENGTH: Medium: 58 linesby CNB