Abdul-Rauf, NBA agree

DENVER: After sitting out one game for refusing to stand during the national anthem, Nuggets guard Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf has reached a compromise with the NBA. According to league officials, Abdul-Rauf has agreed to stand and pray during the anthem. Abdul-Rauf, a devout Muslim, said Tuesday his decision was based on the teachings of the Koran. However, many notable Muslims disagreed with Abdul-Rauf's interpretation and that may play a part in his decision. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's career leading scorer and a convert to Islam in the 1970s, phoned Abdul- Rauf and urged him to re-think his position. Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon, also a Muslim, emphasized his belief that the religion encourages respect for the flag. Many NBA players supported Abdul-Rauf for standing up for his convictions, though they said they did not agree with his stance.