Ibby Jaaber quits Lithuanian team due to Islamic beliefs

The Herald Sun and Sydney Morning Herald have both reported that former Penn basketball player Ibby Jaaber (C' 07) has quit his Lithuanian professional basketball team Zalgiris Kaunas after complaining that raunchy cheerleader routines during timeouts and players' jerseys displaying logos of alcohol brands.

"I understand that maybe I will never earn money from basketball because of this decision, but I am ready to do such a sacrifice for my beliefs," Jaaber said.

Zalgiris spokesman Almantas Kiveris reportedly said Jaaber quit the team after he was benched in a recent game.

The club also said Jaaber vowed not to play on any other European team, adding his decision had taken them by surprise as all the conditions and rules of his employment were made clear in his contract.

Neither Jaaber nor Zalgiris has characterized his departure as a retirement at this time. Stilll, Jaaber was having a solid season for a team relying on his production - he was averaging 5.9 points and an impressive 1.93 steals per game in Euroleague this season for Zalgiris, which is just 1-4.

Jaaber had previously played for Bulgaria's national team.