Knicks Star Joakim Noah Skips Team Dinner at West Point Because of His Anti-War Stance

New York Knicks star Joakim Noah did not attend a team dinner on Thursday at West Point because of his opposition to war.

“I have a lot of respect for the kids who are out here fighting,” Noah said, according to the New York Daily News. “But it’s hard for me to understand why we have to go to war, why kids have to kill kids around the world,” Noah said.

Noah, according to the News article, maintains he was not launching a protest. He just didn’t feel comfortable being around the Army cadets.

“I’m very proud of this country,” Noah said. “I love America but I just don’t understand kids killing kids around the world.”

This is not a new public position for Noah. A 2007 New York Times piece mentions that Noah contemplated not attending the White House ceremony honoring his national champion Florida Gators team because of his opposition to President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq. When he did go, he left his shirt untucked.

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said he had no issue with Noah missing the team dinner.

“That’s his right,” Hornacek said, according to the News “He wants to be a part of the team group and do everything the team is doing. He just didn’t feel comfortable. We’re not going to pressure him into doing that.”

[h/t SB Nation]

[image via screengrab]

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