The Wake

In an era of patriotism in the United States, with ceremonies to commemorate national events, some athletes have expressed their discontent in subtle yet powerful ways.

In the 1995-1996 NBA season, while playing for the Denver Nuggets, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf chose to sit down during the national anthem. He cited his Islamic faith as the reason behind his actions. The NBA then suspended him indefinitely. Subsequently, the suspension only lasted for two games. Afterward, Abdul-Rauf closed his eyes and covered his face while saying a personal prayer during the anthem.

In the 2002-2003 season Toni Smith, a women’s basketball player at Manhattanville College, turned her back on the American flag during the national anthem. She did it to protest to the war in Iraq. Although she was a division three “star,” Smith averaged only 3.3 points per game and was greeted with boos at games following her initial protest. In addition, Smith had a veteran sporting an American flag run up and put the flag in her face on one occasion.

Current Fla. Marlins first baseman, Carlos Delgado, played 12 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a .284 career batting average with 369 career home runs. The all-star experienced increased media attention over the past couple years because of his political views.

Since Sept. 11, ballparks throughout the league have been playing “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch as opposed to the traditional “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” During the playing of “God Bless America” Delgado walks into the clubhouse instead of standing during the song. This act has stirred the feathers of baseball fans and critics alike. Delgado protested the ongoing military action in the Middle East.

In regards to the invasion of Iraq, Delgado said it was, “the stupidest war ever.” The Puerto Rican native is also angry at the United States Navy’s use of Vieques (Puerto Rican island) as a weapons testing site. Delgado was booed heavily at Yankee Stadium during a plate appearance and also heard “U. S. A.” chants as he took the field.

After hearing about Delgado’s actions, Toni Smith responded by saying, “Celebrities so often get praised for speaking out, particularly when they express a majority view,” Smith said. “But it should also work the other way. We should embrace those people who use their fame to also voice a minority one.”

In an era of patriotic displays around the sports world, it will be tough for any athlete to escape the pre-game fighter jet fly-bys, the saluting of troops and the moments of silence to honor those serving our country. In a country that has experienced catastrophic events within the past five years, don’t expect the nationalism to disappear from sports venues anytime soon.

Whether or not you’re in agreement with these three contemporary athletes, their courage should be admired. On the other hand, athletes such as these have to realize the opportunities they have because of our great nation, and how that affects others’ perceptions of them. On that note, these three players should take their political views off the field and worry about the fucking game.