With athletes making various protests related to the national anthem, former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf's story becomes all the more relevant.  He shared the details behind his original decision to not stand during the Star Spangled Banner with students at Mission High in San Francisco, California on October 21st. 

Adbul-Rauf addressed over one hundred students in the school's auditorium.  Several members of the Mission football team had followed the suit of some pro athletes in recent days by taking a knee during the anthem. 

Certainly occupying the same city as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has put the meaning of the flag at the forefront of the minds in many who were in the audience.  Several were also very interested in meeting Adul-Rauf after the event.  

Abdul-Rauf was a star in college at LSU, being named a unanimous first-team All-American and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year twice.  The Denver Nuggets made him the third overall pick of the 1990 NBA Draft and he embarked on a nine-year career in the league.  

On two occasions, Abdul-Rauf led the NBA in free-throw percentage.  He was a participant in the 1993 Slam Dunk Contest and also won the league's Most Improved Player award that year. 

Abdul-Rauf is best known for sitting during the national anthem in 1996 and taking a stand against what he deemed to be a symbol of oppression.  After leaving the NBA, he spent several years playing professionally oversees before retiring in 2011. 

To inquire about Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

NBC News Flashes Back to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf's Protest: