Source: Contra Costa Times

http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes/sports/football/3836386.htm

On August 10, 2002 the Contra Costa Times featured an article on "rookie linebacker Saleem Rasheed... a devout Muslim... Rasheed plans to adhere to his religious beliefs and fast when the holy month of Ramadan begins Nov. 6. From sunup to sundown, he won't eat anything or drink anything... To soothe his own fears, 49ers linebackers coach Richard Smith did some research... 'I'm all for religious beliefs, but I'm concerned about the health issue,' Smith said. 'I've learned more about it, and it's fine. ... He said most people lacked knowledge about it, and that's why they make a big deal out of it.'"