Joakim Noah Has ‘Mixed Feelings’ About Knicks Training Camp at US Military Academy
Joakim Noah is in a bit of hot water with the US Military Academy at West Point because of his decision to skip dinner with cadets on Thursday.
Noah said that he wasn’t trying to make a statement—he simply was uncomfortable in the military environment.
Joakim Noah says he decided not to attend dinner with cadets last night and doesn't feel comfortable at military academy. Hates war.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) September 30, 2016
Joakim Noah made clear he wasn't protesting or taking a stance. He just doesn't feel comfortable in the environment at West Point.
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) September 30, 2016
Noah told reporters that he had “mixed feelings” about spending time at the academy for Knicks training camp this week because he’s opposed to the idea of young troops fighting in wars.
On Friday, Knicks PR tweeted several photos of Noah talking to cadets, one of which had the caption, “I appreciate all that you do for us. Respect!”
"I appreciate all that you do for us. Respect!" pic.twitter.com/Nicj4TqvTr
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) October 1, 2016
More from ESPN:
“It’s hard for me a little bit. I have a lot of respect for the kids who are out here fighting. But it’s hard for me to understand why we have to go to war, why kids have to kill kids around the world,” said Noah, explaining his decision not to attend the dinner after a reporter asked him about his experience at the event. “So I have mixed feelings about being here. I’m very proud of this country. I love America, but I just don’t understand kids killing kids around the world.”
Noah added: “At the end of the day, I’m not anti-troops. It’s just not comfortable for me to see kids going out to war and coming back having seen what they’ve seen, having done what they’ve done. It’s sad for me. It’s sad for me because they’re just sent out for things that I don’t really want to get into it to be honest with you. It’s hard for me.”
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