Right-wing site mocks Muslims during Super Bowl, dismissing Muslim NFL players

On Sunday, Breitbart News, a far-right American publication, shared a now-deleted racist tweet in which it depicted an imaginary conversation between a Muslim grandpa and his grandchild during Super Bowl Sunday, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). 

"Grampa, what's a Super Bowl?" the post on Breitbart's official Twitter account read.

"Well, lil Muhammad, back when the kuffar ran things, they stitched up filthy pig skins, moved them around painted lines, and shoved each other. There was secular music and alcohol — A very haram affair!"

Following an intense online backlash, the site - known for its Islamophobic content - deleted the tweet on Monday, saying the post did not meet the "editorial standards" of the publication.

The question being asked is whether mocking followers of the Islamic faith is only wrong because it doesn't meet Breitbart's "editorial standards"?

Furthermore, it seems Breitbart News is unaware of the fact that a number of NFL players, current and former, are Muslim.

In 2017, the NFL Players Association stood in solidarity with Muslim players in the league amid controversy sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban. 

"Our Muslim brothers that are in this league, we have their backs," said Eric Winston, the veteran offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals who serves as the union's president, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"And that's it. And we're gonna do whatever we can. I'll go stand with them. If people want to come to our house or family or whatever, I'll be there with them. It's simple. But the idea that - and not to get too broadly into this-but we're starting to turn away from our values as a country. But these guys that are players in the National Football League, their families are our families. And I take that seriously," he added.

Dear Breitbart,

Here are 4 former legendary NFL players you should take note of the next time you decide to portray Muslims in a bad light during the Super Bowl...

Muhsin Muhammad was brought up in a Muslim family after his father converted to Islam when Muhammad was just 4-years-old. His birth name was Melvin Darnell Campbell.

"My father was in the Nation of Islam. That's the reason he changed our names. My name means 'charitable' and "one who does good deeds," Muhammad said, according to Chicago Tribune.

The 44-year-old former NFL player used to play for the Carolina Panthers. In 2010, Muhammad retired from professional football after 14 seasons.

"I've done everything I could possibly do in an NFL career for 14 years, outside of actually winning a championship ring," said Muhammad following the announcement, according to ESPN.

"I've played in two Super Bowls, I have Super Bowl records and I've done a lot of good things throughout my career. I'm full, I'm fulfilled. I'm at peace with my decision."

Ryan Harris converted to Islam at a very young age, and has publicly shared his experience as one that taught him "broad acceptance and respect".

The 32-year-old played 115 games for four teams across nine seasons in the NFL. Harris was part of the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50. In 2017, Harris retired from the NFL. 

Hamza Abdullah was brought up by devout Muslim parents in Los Angeles. In 2012, the 34-year-old announced that he will not be able to continue his football career. 

During his prime, Abdullah left football to fulfill the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as Hajj, with his brother and parents. Hamza was a seven-year veteran of the NFL. He did not return to the game after the 2012 pilgrimage.

Husain Abdullah, the brother of Hamza Abdullah, was brought up in a devout Muslim household. Just like his brother, Abdullah took 2012 off to complete a pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike his brother, the 32-year-old came back for 21 games for the Kansas City Chiefs. 

He played for four years before officially retiring in 2016. In the same year, Abdullah announced his retirement from the NFL, citing concerns about concussions. At the time, Abdullah said that "having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing" his future goals.