Christian Basketball Star Kevin Durant Pulls Out Of U.S. National Team

Christian basketball player Kevin Durant has reportedly withdrawn from the U.S. National Team as it prepares to play in the 2014 World Cup.

Kevin Durant, who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder with the NBA, said in a statement on Thursday that he chose to pull out of the U.S. National Team due to emotional and physical reasons.

"This was an extremely difficult decision as I take great pride in representing our country," the basketball player said in a statement. "After going through training camp, I realized I could not fulfill my responsibilities to the team from both a time and energy standpoint. I need to take a step back and take some time away, both mentally and physically in order to prepare for the upcoming NBA season."

Some media outlets speculate that Durant really pulled out of playing for the national team after witnessing two of his teammates, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, injury themselves in recent weeks.

Durant, the recipient of the NBA's Most Valuable Player award for the 2013 season, has long given God credit for his professional basketball talent. When Durant accepted his MVP award earlier this year, he "[thanked] God for changing [his] life," adding "It let me realize what life is really all about. Basketball is just a platform in order for me to inspire people and I realize that."

The 25-year-old star athlete went on to thank his teaamates and his mother before even referencing his personal talents on the court. He will again play for the OKC Thunder this upcoming season, and could end up being paid $30 million from a possible Under Armour endorsement alone.