Chris Jackson aka Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf after converting to Islam in 1993 was known for his refusal to stand for the United States national anthem before an NBA game. In the 1990s, Abdul-Rauf was the leading scorer for the Denver Nuggets, but his refusal to stand for the national anthem at an NBA game led to his suspension. Abdul-Rauf viewed the American flag as a symbol of oppression, which is why he refused to stand during the national anthem. To conclude his suspension, the basketball star made an agreement qith the league, to stand and pray with his head down during the anthem. Although this arrangement was made, at the end of the basketball season, he was traded, and his career ended when his contract expired.
https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/people-were-afraid-to-listen-the-story-behind-mahmoud-abdul-raufs-protest
When the athlete acted on his activism, the lack of social media during this time allowed for an underwhelming response in the media realm of things. Yet, the real-time reaction and treatment from America that Abdul-Rauf faced was horrid. The athlete endured death threats and had his home burned down as a reaction to his refusal to stand for the national anthem. In addition to the physical harm, he also suffered finacially as he missed out on millions of dollars due to standing for his beliefs and not being able to play in games. This act of activism was career-ending for the athlete, Abdul-Rauf lost playing time, his starting spot, and couldn’t get much of a tryout with any NBA team – even though he averaged the team-high a game at 19 points and 6 assists.
Fast forward to 20 years later, Abdul-Rauf gained followers behind his principles and has lived to see and support other athletes, like Colin Kaepernick, who is going through a similar situation. He says he supports Kaepernick “1000 percent”.
Abdul-Rauf stands behind his message and told the article cited below, “Whether I go broke, whether they take my life, whatever it is, I stood on my principles. To me that is worth more than wealth and fame”. Today, Abdul-Rauf has a documentary out called “Stand”, playing out how his career was unfairly derailed over his decision to not stand for the national anthem. The NBA has also started to acknowledge his greatness by posting highlights of him and giving him the recognition, he deserves. In response, the media is applauding and calling out how the NBA has stopped shunning him.
Colin Kaepernick reflects the modern-day scenario of what would happen to Abdul-Rauf if social media was involved. Athletes rarely take a stand on social issues, especially during Abdul-Raul’s time, which made him an outlier. Yet today you can see the movement of social issues in athletes being recognized. Abdul-Rauf has shaped the way athletes can take a stand against social injustice. The pictures below show some of the people that came together and took a knee for the national anthem to protest racial injustice. Instead of getting punished for using their platform to speak on the blatant racism growing in America, they are allowed to show that it is bigger than the sport they are playing, and they should spread the positivity and fight for equality throughout the world.
Another example of Abdul-Rauf shaping the media through his activist act is shown in the Colin Kaepernick Nike ad campaign. Below shows a Twitter post for the campaign Kaepernick did with Nike. They went on to make a commercial together for the campaign, which ended up winning an Emmy. Achievements like this probably seemed impossible for Abdul-Rauf, but with his courage and action, he shaped and motivated other athletes to stand up for their beliefs.
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