Abdullah is a Muslim. As an American he is free to practice whatever religion he wants. The NFL rule books says players are allowed to go to the ground to pray. It doesn’t say what type of prayer. It doesn’t say you have to be a Catholic, Jewish, Buddha or etc.
It was extremely disrespectful and shows the ignorance of the NFL referee who threw the flag to not recognize that Abdullah was praying. He wasn’t dancing, he wasn’t using a prop, he was praying like many other NFL players have done a 1000 times before. Just because it wasn’t like Tim Tebow, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be respected.
Husain took the high road and said maybe he was penalized for sliding, but the ref was clear that he was penalized for going to his knees.
This should be added to the list of things the NFL needs to get their head out of their behinds about. Worry less about how players celebrate and more about how your reputation is in the trash currently.
The NFL didn’t apologize, but did note that Husain should not have been penalized.
Abdullah should not have been penalized. Officiating mechanic is not to flag player who goes to ground for religious reasons.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) September 30, 2014