September 21, 2001

Just ten days removed from the tragedies of Washington D.C. and New York City, the effects haven't left our hearts and minds. Coast to coast and north to south, each individual has had to cope with these losses and attempt to move step by step closer to the life they knew just two weeks ago. Professional athletes aren't forgotten when feeling remorse, shock, and nervousness when getting back to their jobs and responsibilities.

As well as thinking about their upcoming games and opponents, players are forced to have to think about numerous flights and almost nightly outings in sold-out arenas. The tragedies of last week have put sports in a different perspective for athletes, but they still must perform at the highest competitive level in the world. Several Hawks players talked about their own perspective and how they are attempting to get back to work as a professional athlete, as well as back to life as an American citizen.

Alan Henderson
Q: Could you please reflect on last week's happenings and how they will put sports in a different perspective for you now?

A: "This is a tragic incident that happened. I feel really bad for all of those who lost family and friends. It's just a terrible thing. I think everybody across the nation, whether they knew someone or not, was hurt by that. It's really disappointing that people could be that bad, and would have that much hate in their minds."

Q: Do you think the events that took place will affect how you play the game this season, maybe take games a little lighter?"

A: "It's not going to affect what we do. We'll just go out there and play the game. Hopefully it will help people realize that we shouldn't hate others because of their backgrounds - it shouldn't matter what our nationalities or ethnic backgrounds are. We should respect everyone's individuality. As we witnessed last week, that type of hate can result into a tragedy like we had."

Q: During this upcoming season, are you going to think twice about arena security?

A: "I think most of the arenas have pretty good security and I'm sure the arenas will probably tighten it up even more. I hope that by the time our season begins we won't have to worry much beyond what happens on the court. Hopefully, their presence will make all of us - the players, coaches and fans - feel as secure as we did in the past."

Nazr Mohammed
Q: What was your initial reaction of the events of last week when you heard or were informed of the tragic events?

A: "I was completely shocked. It was something you can't imagine that would ever happen. It took a while to even believe it was true. When I woke up, I watched every bit of news the whole day about it. Even when the World Trade Center came down, I still didn't believe something like that actually happened."

Q: Your being of the Muslim faith, what is your reaction? If you were to explain to someone about your religious beliefs and how you feel about these events, what would you say?

A: "That has nothing to do with the Muslim faith. Islam doesn't preach anything as far as taking the life of another. No religion preaches that. That's political beliefs. That's an attack against being an American, not an attack against being a Christian or anything else."

Q: How does this shape your thoughts on sports, and putting them into proper perspective?

A: "We're lucky. Pro Basketball and sports are games, a form of entertainment. It can make parts of your life easy, but it's not real life when you are on the court. It's a way to get away from real life and express yourself in a different way. It just tells you that every day your life is precious, and you have to live it to the fullest. You just never know what's going to happen."

Q: Did it cause you to think about some ways to help the relief efforts?

A: "Yes. I've been thinking about what I can do and ways I could help. My wife went to donate blood. I'm still in shock right now about everything that's gone on. I want to be able to help out in some way."

Jason Terry
Q: Could you please reflect on last week's happenings and how they will put sports in a different perspective for you now?

A: "I can't say that I took things for granted in the past, but I certainly won't in the future as a result of last week. We must value how precious our time is spent with our family and friends, and realize that at any given moment, it could have been any one of us. I would like to offer my sympathies to the victims and their families, and hope that God guides them through this terrible tragedy."