Knicks' Joakim Noah skips cadet dinner over anti-war views

New York Knicks center Joakim Noah skipped a team dinner with cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Thursday night because of his anti-war views.

The Knicks are holding part of their training camp at West Point, and Noah reportedly had permission from coach Jeff Hornacek to skip the function.

Noah's decision comes amid the context of sports taking an increasingly political tone recently. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the pre-game national anthem at the end of August to protest the unequal treatment of minorities in America. He's continued his protests, which have since spread far and wide.

But Noah, who's in his first season with the Knicks, didn't say he's trying to start a movement of his own or grab attention -- he's simply a pacifist made uncomfortable by the military dinner.

"It’s hard for me a little bit. I have a lot of respect for the kids who are out here fighting," Noah told 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. 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 also reportedly skipped out on a speech a retired U.S. Army colonel gave the Knicks, the Daily News reports.

Hornacek said he understood and accepted his player's decision.

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

Noah has been outspoken about social issues before, and told the Daily News he tries to connect with people on a personal level regardless of national boundaries.

"I'm not a very patriotic person, to be honest," the center said. "I don't understand the whole flags, supporting flags. I'm more into supporting people."