Stoudemire Won't Play at Worlds
The New York Times reports that the Knicks have pulled prized forward Amar'e Stoudemire from the United States national team. The Knicks cited insurance concerns for forcing Stoudemire's withdrawal.
According to the Times, Stoudemire's knee is not insured against a career-ending injury.
Stoudemire, who was given a max-contract by New York, has had multiple knee and eye injuries in recent years.
From the New York Times:
The national team began training in Las Vegas on Tuesday, in preparation for the world championship that begins Aug. 28 in Istanbul. Stoudemire was in Las Vegas and planning to join the workouts before he got the news.
"I understand both sides," Stoudemire said in a news release from Team USA. "I definitely wanted to play."
The timing of the decision caught USA Basketball officials off guard. Stoudemire's agent, Happy Walters, declined to comment.
