Mahmoud Abdul Rauf, a former NBA player, who gained recognition not only for his skills on the basketball court but also for his activism and advocacy, joined us on Hard Knock Radio. He spoke about the current state of athletes and activism. He also talked about the role his Muslim faith had in shaping his politics.
For those who are unfamiliar with Rauf here’s a brief breakdown. In the 1990s, Abdul Rauf was known as the Colin Kaepernick of his day due to his refusal to stand for the National Anthem before games, citing his beliefs as a Muslim and his concerns about social injustices. His protest sparked controversy and led to consequences such as fines and suspensions from the NBA.
After his NBA career, Abdul Rauf teamed up with rapper and actor Ice Cube and became a prominent player in the Big 3 League, a 3-on-3 professional basketball league. He continued to be involved in basketball by privately coaching several current players, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.
In addition to his basketball career, Abdul Rauf also authored a book called “In the Blink of an Eye,” which was published by Colin Kaepernick. The book details Abdul Rauf’s personal journey and his experiences as an athlete and activist. Rauf has some Bay Area ties. His Showtime documentary titled “Stand” was executive produced by Sarah Allen, a former San Francisco State University student, and directed by Oakland’s award-winning Joselyn Lyons
Mahmoud Abdul Rauf’s legacy goes beyond his accomplishments on the basketball court, as he continues to be remembered for his bold stance on social issues and his contributions to sports activism. His courage in speaking out against injustice and his dedication to coaching and mentoring young players make him a notable figure in both the sports and social justice communities.
Later in the show we pay tribute to Civil Rights icon Harry Belafonte
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