This is the first edition of Mercy Shout Outs, where we mention the forgotten stars of professional sports. I don’t know if anyone else does this, but at random times throughout the day, I have random thoughts like “I wonder if Rocket Ishmael is still rich….” or “Does Tom Gugliotta know how great he was on NBA Jam: Tournament Edition?

Most people should remember Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf for refusing to stand during the national anthem. He said the U.S. was a tyrannical nation and that honoring the flag would go against his islamic beliefs. I recall a segment on “Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel” some time after that, where Mahmoud said someone burned his house down in retaliation or something (my frequent use of the word “something” should tip you off that I don’t remember it that well).

In hindsight, I don’t feel bad for him, because had he refused to stand for the U.S. national anthem in our post September 11th society, they would have done a lot worse than burning down his property. The most unreliable information source in the world a.k.a. Wikipedia says Mahmoud is now playing in the Saudi Arabian league.

Another interesting tidbit, Mahmoud also reportedly suffered from tourettes syndrome. There are plenty of jokes about him at the airport that can be said, but I’m just gonna leave that one out there….

So uhh yeah.. Salaamamamama Laikum to you Mahmoud. You’re welcome for the free unwanted press.