FIBA: No exception on uniform rules for Orthodox Jewish basketball player
FIBA spokesman says that decision is 'final' to not allow Israeli national team point guard Naama Shafir to wear a t-shirt under her jersey.
By The Associated Press Tags: Orthodox Jews Jewish world Jewish lawEuropean basketball's governing body says it will not make allowances for an Israeli women's player's religious observance in the upcoming European championship.
University of Toledo and Israeli national team point guard Naama Shafir is an Orthodox Jew who wears a T-shirt under her jersey for reasons of modesty.
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Naama Shafir |
| Photo by: www.safsal.co.il |
European basketball regulations say all players must wear precisely the same uniform and Munich-based FIBA Europe told the AP early Friday that it would not make an exception.
FIBA Europe spokesman Sakis Kontos said "rules must always be upheld" and the decision is "final."
The decision means the 21-year-old Shafir cannot compete at the tournament, which opens June 18 in Poland, if she insists on wearing the T-shirt.
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Look at all the stuff NBA players wear under their tanks and shorts. Here's one example: http://dwyanewade3.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=52608021 And here's Patrick Ewing wearing a T-shirt under his tank during his college days: http://www.krakov.net/si/images/1984/0319_large.jpg Don't you think there's a bit of hypocrisy and anti-religious hate here? If NBA players can wear all kinds of stuff under their uniform, then why can't a college girl who wants to protect her modesty do the same? Good for her!
Why are they not doing this? It would show respect to all team members and all Israelis.
If they do not allow her to play she should not play, do not let any human laws draw you away from G-D LAW...
we do not give in to religious zeolotry ... we learned from the past
Jewish soccer profis here, would they refuse to play on Sabbath they would not be hired. And Muslim soccer profis, would they become physically unfit during Ramadan, they cannot play. In international sports you have to adapt yourself to the rules, not vice versa. If you cannot adapt, stay at home.
Muslim women athletes are not allowed to wear veils and other religious/traditional/cultural garments. And when you enter the arena for a game, then the conditions and rules should be the same for - all.
Obviously these bureaucrats have never seen basketball in the place where it was invented. What is worn under the uniform is irrelevant as long as the uniform is distinguishable. The solution is to make the uniform with short sleeves so the tee is unseen. The piping can even stay the same. Sheesh!
Let's get rid of all religions and become enlightened people. That would solve not only this tin-pot problem but a lot of serious problems as well.