© 2026 The Couch Critic
Status
Released
Release
2023
Runtime
1h 47m
Available options inUS
"He sacrificed everything but his principles"
Raw and unflinching examination of the courageous life of basketball star and social justice activist Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. Born Chris Jackson, he overcame tremendous adversity to reach the NBA and found his true calling when he converted to Islam. His decision not to stand for the national anthem, however, turned him from prodigy to pariah. Told candidly by Abdul-Rauf himself more than 20 years later it’s the remarkable story of one man who kept the faith and paved the way for a social justice movement.
43 Cast Members
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Self
Shaquille O'Neal
Self - LSU Teammate, 1989-90
Ice Cube
Self - Rapper-Actor; Founder BIG3
Olden Polynice
Self - Former Sacramento Kings Teammate
Stephen Curry
Self - Golden State Warriors Guard
Steve Kerr
Self - Former Chicago Bulls Guard, 1993-98
Jalen Rose
Self - University of Michigan Fab 5
Mahershala Ali
Self - Actor
David Jackson
Self - Older Brother
Leonard Bennett
Self - Former High School Teammate
Gerald Austin
Self - Former High School Assistant Coach
Owen Miller
Self - Former High School Teammate
Joseph Jancovic
Self - Neurologist and Tourette Syndrome Specialist
Dale Brown
Self - Former LSU Coach
Stanley Roberts
Self - Former LSU Teammate
Eddie Miller
Self - Former AAU Coach
Bernie Bickerstaff
Self - Denver Nuggets Head Coach, 1994-97
Paul Westhead
Self - Denver Nuggets Head Coach, 1990-92 (archive footage)
Scott Hastings
Self - Former Denver Nuggets Teammate
Walter Davis
Self - Former Denver Nuggets Teammate
