Muslim Basketball Player Allegedly Banned For Shooting Baskets During National Anthem

A Muslim basketball player for the Garden City Community College in Kansas was removed from the school’s team after he was seen shooting baskets instead of standing during an in-game performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Nov. 1.

An altercation reportedly started after the student, Rasool Samir, was approached by Broncbuster Athletic Association member Jim Howard, the Garden City Telegram reported. School officials then ejected Samir, and Howard was allowed to return to his seat.

The ACLU of Kansas released a statement regarding the matter. Samir said he was not protesting the anthem but instead opted not to stand during the ritual due to religious reasons. He was later removed from the team.

"Earlier this week, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas received a complaint from Rasool Samir, a former student-athlete at Garden City Community College (GCCC) who was ejected from a GCCC game on Nov. 1, for declining to observe the national anthem. Samir was later dismissed from the basketball team and unenrolled at GCCC," the statement read.

Samir apologized for the incident and later contacted the ACLU of Kansas regarding the incident. The organization claimed the school kicked him off the team because he opted not to participate in the national anthem.

"I didn’t mean any disrespect at all to the fans or the flag," Samir told the Telegram. "I am truly sorry to anyone that felt disrespected, and I am also sorry to the school. I apologize for what happened."

After the incident, the ACLU said Samir sat down with the team’s coach Bradley Trenkle who informed the student that he was removed from the team. Garden City Community College athletic director John Green said Samir willingly left the team but later said the school removed him due to conduct issues.

"This dismissal is not related to the national anthem, but for conduct following the event," Green told NBC-affiliate KWCH.