GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Communicating publicly for the first time since his older brother’s death Monday in a car accident in Florida, Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire said he plans to be out a “few days” while grieving with his family.
“I am humbled by all of the thoughts and prayers I have received,” he said in a statement. “Thank you for all of the support. I am going to take a few days to be with my family and grieve the loss of my big brother, Hazell Stoudemire. Although it is not clear to me now, I hope to make some good come from our tragedy.”
Stoudemire took an indefinite leave of absence Monday after learning of the tragic news and missed the Knicks’ 99-88 victory over the Utah Jazz.
He will also be out for Wednesday’s game at the Washington Wizards and it remains unclear if he will return for Friday’s game against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers at MSG.
The Knicks (10-15) are also without the services of Eastern Conference starting All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, out 1-2 weeks with a groin injury.
“At this point I just really want him to take as much time as he needs,” Knicks center Tyson Chandler said of Stoudemire. “Basketball is one thing, life and family is completely another thing. I hope the best out of his situation with his family. It’s a tough one.”
