Congratulations To The University Of Florida, And To A Great Young Man

[Syrinx]

I'm talking about Joakim Noah.

"Off the court, yeah, I share his views about the way I feel about the war," Noah said. "I'm against the war. I don't understand it, and I'm not scared to speak about how I feel about things like that.

"To me, when I hear about Bill Walton, I think, 'Oh, yeah, he was a hippie.' But he was so much more than that. It was so much more than being a liberal or a Democrat. It was interesting to see that this guy stepped up and was inspired and spoke his mind. He didn't let that, 'OK, I'm an All-American and everybody is going to hear what I say, so I'm not going to say anything and ruin my image.' I respect that. I respect players who aren't afraid to speak their mind."

Noah isn't afraid, either. He nearly staged a one-man protest of President Bush and the war in Iraq when the Gators were invited to the White House after winning the NCAA title last season. Coach Billy Donovan persuaded Noah to come with them by convincing him that if he didn't attend, housemates Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green would be the ones left to explain and defend his actions.

"It was weird, because I don't really agree with (Bush's) views," Noah said. "I don't really agree with what he stands for. At the same time, I have great respect for my country. I love my country. My political view isn't going to change how I view about America. It's given me unbelievable opportunity. I love so many aspects about the culture. I love sports. I love New York. I love college. Living in France and different countries, I've been able to compare and contrast and say, 'I like this about this country.'

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news?slug=jk-noah040107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Old and In the Way]

1. I really like his attitude.

Doesn't surprise me about his views. I enjoyed watching him play in this tourney. He was stylin with that doo! :rofl:

[Syrinx]

2. yeah!

I'd like to sneak up from behind and snip off his hair. I bet a wealthy UF fan would pay big bucks on ebay. ;)

[Scurrilous]

3. Thanks for posting.

Go Gators! :thumbsup:

[TheWatcher]

4. Humanity shines it's light.

Even in Florida.

An outstanding young man.

[BushOut06]

5. He should have challenged * to a game of one-on-one

I'm sure it would have been quite accidental if there had been an elbow-check to *'s face.

[murielm99]

6. This young man has

an international background. He is fluent in French.

Ha ha bushies: FRENCH!

[qanda]

7. Go Noah and the Gators!

They helped me win the family pool. Bring me my money!!!!!!!

[Zech Marquis]

8. my new hero!!

Here's a guy who really gets it :bounce: I love his attitude, and his almost staging a protest right in *'s face earned my respect and then some!!