Source: The Wichita Eagle

Wire Service: AP

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/sports/colleges/13005264.htm

On October 27, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico has filed a grievance against New Mexico State head football coach Hal Mumme, alleging he discriminated against a now-released Muslim player by repeatedly questioning him about al-Qaida. The grievance filed Tuesday on behalf of former... running back Muammar Ali also alleges the football staff required the team to recite the Lord's Prayer at the end of each practice. The grievance seeks a public apology from Mumme and disciplinary action against him. The ACLU also asked that NMSU provide diversity training to all students and employees... Ali's father, Mustafa Ali, said in a telephone call from California that Ali learned he was being released [from the team] through a message an assistant coach left on his cell phone. His father said he has been denied meetings with coaches. The grievance, written by ACLU staff attorney George Bach of Albuquerque, said Mumme questioned Ali repeatedly in July about 'Islam and specifically its ties to al-Qaida,' the terrorist organization headed by Osama bin Laden."