re: Chris Jackson plays in the Big 3 League...

Many moons ago I went to "spring testing" at LSU the spring prior to my freshman year at LSU. One day while exploring the campus, my friends and I stumbled upon the gym armory. Little did we know then that place would become the venue for some of our "greatest" pick up games (before the rec center opened). Yet, on that day, Chris and Pokey were shooting around. Long story short, I played both one on one. These two, maligned by many here, were wonderfully kind and gracious.

Many years later I once again bumped into Mahmoud. He was as gracious and kind as he was the first time I met him. We spoke about LSU, life, and even a little politics.

For me, then and today, he is Mahmoud because in his life, he made that choice. In the end, he is an amazing basketball player and one heck of a human being whose political/religious beliefs, shaped by his experiences, just so happen differ from many of us here.

Literally EVERY time his name comes up, the intolerant bugbears rear their heads.

Edited to add: Both Mahmoud and Pokie beat me 10-1.