Knicks' Noah: Trump's remarks on NFL protests 'dividing' country
New York Knicks center Joakim Noah is fully in favor of NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem in peaceful protest.
"I think it’s great," said Noah, according to Newsday's Al Iannazzone. "We’re finally talking about social injustice. People always want to talk about the flag. Of course, the flag is very important. But let’s not forget the reason for the protests are because of social injustice."
Noah - who is entering his second year of a four-year, $72-million contract with the Knicks - agrees with the sentiment that the rate in which the protests are growing is due to President Donald Trump's comments on the matter. The POTUS has encouraged the league's owners to fire anyone who seemingly disrespects the flag.
"Yeah, 100 percent," Noah added. "The leader of this country is dividing people and making things a lot more complicated."
Related: NFL teams react to Trump's comments on player protests
NBA commissioner Adam Silver asserted after a recent Board of Governors meeting that he expects all players to continue standing for the playing of the anthem. A league-wide memo was also issued, reminding everyone that standing for the anthem is a mandated rule.
"We spoke about it a little bit," Noah said. "It’s a very confusing time in this country. As athletes, we have platforms. The NBA is a big platform, so I understand where the NBA’s coming from."
Noah and the Knicks open their preseason Tuesday by hosting the visiting Brooklyn Nets.