As the likes of Donald Trump stoke hate, Muslim athletes hope for continued acceptance in US
For the most part, people are very respectful say stars – but they need more education
Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah isn't worried about facing any hostility over his religious views.
“For the most part people are very respectful,” said Abdullah, who is Muslim. “I don't go outside hoping no one says anything to me about my religion, because that's not living a normal life. I just live a normal life, just going about my day.”
With Donald Trump calling for Muslims to be blocked from coming into the United States – and with fears of terrorism simmering throughout America following the Paris attacks and the shootings in San Bernardino, California – Abdullah and other Muslim athletes in the NBA and NFL expressed hope of continued acceptance. None of the players reported being taunted or confronted by fans because of religion.
Dennis Schroder of the Atlanta Hawks said he's had no problems in his home nation of Germany or in the US. Ryan Harris of the Denver Broncos said the controversy is a chance for Muslim athletes to speak out against violence and hate speech.
“We take every opportunity as Muslims to tell people that terrorists are distorting the faith that a billion of us practice peacefully every day,” Harris said. “Whatever Trump has planned or whatever he says, it's playing on a fear that's growing and is negative toward those everyday peaceful Muslims and citizens of the United States. That's why we've got to say something.”