BASKETBALL AND BELIEFS

For 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.

A few weeks ago, Abdul-Rauf's behavior began to cause conflict with the Nuggets and with the league administration. Abdul-Rauf said that he would not stand for the national anthem because it represented "oppression" and "tyranny." Also, as a devout Muslim, he said that he was forbidden from paying homage to nationalistic symbols such as the U.S. flag.

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 was bitterly criticized by many basketball fans, political commentators and veterans' groups. Some questioned his stand against oppression, noting that he makes nearly $32,000 per game. However, millionaire status should not prevent one from being a dissident. Abdul-Rauf has every right to critique the system that he benefits from.

Some prominent Muslims, from Hakeem Olajuwon to an Islamic scholar here at Harvard, argued that prohibitions against patriotism cannot be found in the Koran or in traditional Islamic teachings. Yet, Abdul-Rauf also has the right to interpret his religion and shape his personal beliefs as he sees fit.

But Abdul-Rauf should not have sold out so quickly. He spinelessly abandoned his once courageous stance and shamelessly chose money over principle. Other athletes, such as Muhammad Ali or the sprinters who raised black power salutes at the 1968 Olympics, dramatized their religious or political ideologies much more effectively.

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.