“I Couldn’t Keep My Mouth Shut”: Leading Britney Griner and Colin Kaepernick’s National Anthem Controversy Once Cost Shaquille O’Neal’s Teammate Millions

Protesting on issues that are crippling society is nothing new to the world of sports. Whether it is Colin Kaepernick or Brittney Griner, they have shown their stance while being some of the biggest names in the world of sports. The two famously refused to stand for the National Anthem as a mark of protest for the atrocities the minorities have to face in the country. However, they were not the first ones to do so. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, a former NBA star who played with Shaquille O’Neal led the way back in 1996.

He had a promising basketball career ahead of him but that wasn’t the only thing he was focused on. Rauf was very active in standing up for what he felt was right and this attitude cost him on multiple occasions. For instance, he was fined by the league for refusing to stand up during the national anthem and similar incidents cost him millions. This was duly acknowledged by Rauf who reflected upon his actions in an interview.

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf wouldn’t change despite losing out on millions

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was an exciting talent in the 1990s. Playing for teams like the Denver Nuggets, he won the Most Improved Player Award and also made it to the All-Rookie team in 1991. However, his controversial decision to not stand for the national anthem cost him a lot and also his career.

Back in 1996, he refused to stand up and he was suspended by the then NBA commissioner, David Stern. Moreover, he was fined $31,707 for missing the game.

Ultimately, his actions cost him his career and also millions of dollars. During an interview, the former Nuggets star asserted that despite all the setbacks, he will never change his stance.

Rauf said during the interview, “I lost millions because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. That personality, I don’t think, would have been any different. So, it’s possible that the NBA wouldn’t have been on the horizon for me. There are things I’m going to speak about whether a person likes it or not.”

READ MORE: “Motherf**ker Get Out of My Face”: Distraught at Not Going Pro, 17-Year-Old Shaquille O’Neal Got Yelled at Amid Brutal Lesson From Sergeant Father

Despite being bashed all around for his views, Rauf had the support of some players. One of them happened to be Shaquille O’Neal who played with Rauf while at LSU. Although Shaq supported Rauf, the same cannot be said about Colin Kaepernick.

What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Colin Kaepernick?

Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick rocked the world with his decision to kneel while the national anthem played before the games. This was done as a mark of protest against the injustice faced by minorities in the country.

Talking about the incident, Shaq said, “I would never do that.” He asserted that his stepfather belonged to the military and he has police officers in his family. Therefore, Shaq would never do what the former 49ers quarterback did.

WATCH THIS STORY: $600 Million Rich Shaquille ONeal Hung Out with Martin Lawrence, Ron Artest, and Many Other Celebrities at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments down below.