By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a recent interview, New York Knicks center Enes Kanter expressed his disappointment with the fact that he can’t play with his national team since he has been officially labeled a “supporter of terrorism” in Turkey.
The Turkish big guy said that he wished he would be able to wear his country’s jersey, like he did in the EuroBasket 2011, prior to beginning his professional career as an NBA player. His international career was cut short, due to political reasons.
Per PPJ:
“It is clear that my political position has affected my standing with the national team. In fact, in many Turkish newspapers there is no mention of me in the sports section ever — however, if another Turkish player does something there is a large amount of praise. Many papers know if they speak of me their newspapers may get shut down or get penalized. I have accepted this fact. It is a shame because I wish I could represent Turkey and help our team win games.”
Kanter had previously stated that he’s pretty much ignored by Turkish media and no New York Knicks games are being shown on Turkish television.
The Knicks center also talked about how he feels about being characterized as a “terrorist” by the Turkish government.
“This (terrorist) is a term that many governments are using to scare people and get public support. No one likes terrorists — so if you brand your opponents as terrorists its easy to get support. Some people are bad people and deserve this term. But I am an NBA player who works in the community and helps my team and friends. The Turkish government has even accused the US of being terrorist sponsors, they are a joke now.”