An Athlete's Platform Leads to Praise or Criticism.

The Knicks organization decided to hold a few days of training camp practices and workouts at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, as they have previously done in prior years, with the goals of team bonding, chemistry and respect in mind.

But what’s being a professional athlete, in New York City like without some controversy and headlines? New Knicks starting center, Joakim Noah, found his way on the front page of newspapers when he skipped a team dinner with cadets on Thursday night, because of his anti-war views/beliefs.

“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,” Noah said, to the New York Daily News.

While in the middle of the extra attention and headlines, Noah had the support of his Knicks teammates, coaches and the president of basketball operations, Phil Jackson. Noah spoke of the conversation he had with Jackson, where he was told, “focus on basketball but also stand up for what you believe in,” Noah said, to the New York Post.

Athletes are scrutinized and praised based on their platform and how they utilize it, especially when it comes to social views and issues around the world, which is a main topic right now.

“I’m very proud of this country, I love America, and I just have mixed feelings about being here. I don’t understand the whole flags supporting flags, I’m more into supporting people,” Noah said, to the New York Daily News.