10A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, March 14, 1996 NBA won't stand for Rauf's antics The Associated Press NEW YORK - The NBA found itself at the center of a controversy encompassing basketball, religion and freedom of speech yesterday as a Den- ver Nuggets player held firm in his refusal to stand for the national an- them. The NBA has suspended Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf indefinitely without pay -a move that is costing the Nuggets' leading scorer $31,707 per game. Abdul-Rauf says he means no dis- respect to the flag, but his religious principles are more important than his job. He feels "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a symbol of tyranny and oppression, and contends the Koran forbids nationalistic ritualism. The Koran doesn't address the topic specifically, which Islamic experts ac- knowledged has led to some disagree- ment among Muslims. "My intentions were not in any way to be disrespectful to those who re- gard the national anthem as a sacred ceremony," Abdul-Raufsaid in a state- ment issued yesterday. "I am an Afri- can American, a citizen of this coun- try, and one who respects freedom of speech and freedom of expression. "From this point on, it is my inten- tion to try and live a peaceful life, play basketball, and perfect my hu- manity to the highest level possible." Abdul-Rauf, who converted to Is- lam in 1991 and changed his name from Chris Jackson in 1993, began refusing to stand for the anthem at the beginning of this season. Sometimes he would stay in the locker room or sit and stretch in his chair. Sometimes he faced away from the flag. The Denver Nuggets notified the league a month ago and the NBA asked the team to solve the problem quietly. The league contends that teams must abide by its rule requiring players, coaches and train- ers to "stand and line up in a digni- fied posture" dur- ing the U.S. and Abdul-Rauf Canadian an- thems. The NBA decided to suspend Abdul-Rauf on Tuesday after the is- sue became fodder for Denver talk- radio stations and Abdul-Rauf dis- cussed his beliefs at a morning prac- tice. "It's clear in the Koran: Islam is the only way. I don't criticize those who stand, so don't criticize me for sit- ting," he said. "I won't waver from my decision." Theplayers' union said it supported Abdul-Rauf's free expression rights but was urging a compromise. The Nuggets, whose next game is tomorrow, lose Abdul-Rauf at a bad time. With only 20 games left in the season, they are 1 1/2 games back in the race for the eighth and final play- off spot in the Western Conference. "The ball's in his court," said league spokesperson Brian McIntyre. "This is not a religious issue, it's a simple procedural rule." The dispute is believed to be un- precedented in professional sports. Some athletes have refused to play on certain holy days, most notably Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who refused to pitch in a 1965 World Series game that fell on a Jewish holiday. But none have been punished before for refusing to stand for the national anthem, and no play- ers have been known to take such a public position on the issue. Among Muslim athletes, Muhammad Ali was banned from boxing after refusing to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War, citing religious reasons. Not all Muslim athletes share Abdul-Rauf's beliefs about the an- them. Hakeem Olajuwon, the star center for the defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, said the Koran teaches respect for the customs and traditions of the country in which one lives. "It's tough for me to understand his position, but in general the Muslim teaching is to obey and respect. To be a good Muslim is to be a good citi- zen," Olajuwon said. The Eastern Michigan Eagles practice yesterday in Indianapolis, the site of their NCAA tournament first-round game. The upstart Eagles (24-5) are seeded ninth in the Southeast Regional, pitting them against No. 8 seed and traditional power Duke (18-12). The game begins at approximately 2:45 p.m. today. The Blue Devils have fallen from their usual dominance this year and were beaten by Michigan this season, but Eastern will have to shut down guard Chris Collins to upset Duke. 1 Northwestern College of Chiropractic Professional Success Through Clinical Excellence For 53 years, Northwestern College of Chiropractic has been preparing doctors of chiropractic. We have more than 3,000 graduates across the globe who are successful, productive clinical practitioners. Northwestern College of Chiropractic will provide you: * A well-rounded, rigorous education integrating the basic and clinical sciences, diagnosis, X-ray, chiropractic therapeutics and practice management " Clinical education through every step of the curriculum, beginning with hands-on chiropractic technique classes in the first trimester " Limited enrollment, small classes (11:1 student to faculty ratio), individual attention from faculty, and easy access to educational resources " Clinical internships within 35 Minnesota community clinics and five College public clinics " A research center known intemationally as a leader in clinically-controlled research trials, which is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of chiropractic " Extensive financial aid resources " Final term, full-time private practice internships in clinics around the world For a personal visit or more detailed information, call a Northwestern Admissions counselor at 1-800-888-4777. You'll discover the exceptional difference an education at Northwestern can make in your life. Northwestern College of Chiropractic 2501 West 84th Street Bloomington, MN 55431 1-800-888-4777 r U U - U - I Be a display advertising account executive for spring/summer terms at Ot MIdC t# aiiy Gain business experience while building up your resume. * Sell advertising to local and national businesses " Manage your own account territory " Meet and communicate with business owners " Work for an exciting student run newspaper " Earn commission-based pay " Sales experience helpful but, not necessary " Internship credit possible If you are creative, ambitious and highly motivated,