Reports: Joakim Noah won’t play for France at Olympics; Tony Parker’s status unknown

Joakim Noah will not play for France in the Olympics, while Tony Parker’s status is not yet known. (Frederick Florin/Getty Images)

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah will not play for France in the upcoming London Olympics while still recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the first round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, he told the French sports daily L’Equipe.

“I’m absolutely not ready, not ready to run, not ready to jump,” Noah told L’Equipe, according to a translation on BallinEurope.com. “And even less to play. I need more time and work. I’m not in form for someone who wants to compete in the Olympics. And given the problems that I have with my ankles, not going to the Games seemed to be the most reasonable decision.”

The status of point guard Tony Parker, who suffered a scratched cornea in an incident at a New York nightclub that allegedly involved a dispute between singer Chris Brown and the entourage of rapper Drake, is still unknown. France has until Thursday to finalize its roster.