The NBA lifted its suspension of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf after the Denver Nuggets guard 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 the Nuggets' game with the Bulls.
On Tuesday, the NBA suspended him indefinitely for his refusal to stand during "The Star-Spangled Banner" - an action he said he took because of his Islamic beliefs. The NBA requires players to stand "in a dignified posture" while the national anthem is played. Abdul-Rauf's suspension cost him $31,707 for the game he missed Tuesday night.