When He’s Needed Most, Carmelo Anthony Finds His Voice

During a time when so many athletes are afraid to use their voice, Carmelo Anthony has found his. Far From Melo.

Ten years ago, I read William C. Rhoden’s, Forty Million Dollar Slaves, which was a very insightful and mesmerizing work. How appropriate it is to reference this thought-provoking book, with the tense climate that currently exists in our nation.

The boxer known as the greatest of all-time recently passed on, but one can only wonder what a younger Muhammad Ali would have thought. Undoubtably, his thoughts would have been articulated for the masses, clearly, emphatically and poetically expressing the dismay and rage he would feel as a result of the injustices committed against minorities by some in law enforcement that have become commonplace.

He came from an era when courage, dignity and pride were more important than endorsement deals and hundred million dollar contract extensions. Along with athletes like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Jim Brown, there was an understanding that being socially and morally correct should always trump being politically correct.

He came from an era when courage, dignity and pride were more important than endorsement deals and hundred million dollar contract extensions. Along with athletes like Arthur Ashe, Bill Russell and Jim Brown, there was an understanding that being socially and morally correct should always trump being politically correct.

Somewhere, somehow, in the day of the multi-million dollar athlete, this understanding was lost. Those no longer struggling forgot about the plight of those still trudging through the struggle. As some move forward, the vast majority will be left behind.

Forty Million Dollar Slaves examined these points and noted how the voice of our athletes who are in a position to promote change has significantly been diminished to the point of perpetual nonexistence. This is today’s absentee athlete, failing to show up to play the game of life, where their participation is needed most.

Although New York hasn’t been the Mecca of Basketball in recent years, it remains a centerpiece for media and entertainment. Any story of even minute significance will get overblown with overextended coverage in the hunt for headlines. So, knowing this, I waited patiently to see how the media would report Carmelo Anthony‘s recent call to action.

Anthony’s Instagram message was undoubtedly the most direct, most poignant and most passionate I read from an athlete following the most recent killings that have rocked the fragile core of our nation. He was as angered, saddened, and puzzled as I was in the moment.

He was tired of seeing innocent people dying. He was searching for answers. In the moment that he sent out his message, he was human.

For this, he garnered a couple of headlines and a few stories, which is far less than what he deserved. To clarify what I mean by that statement, let me first emphasize the fact that no one really needs to receive a pat on the back for standing up for what is right. We stand on the shoulders of ancestors who risked their lives so that we can be afforded the opportunities that many are able to take advantage of today.

However, in today’s day and age, when such actions are so seldom seen, and so much attention is placed on negative news coverage, I think it was worthy of more attention.

Carmelo Anthony is a man who is often criticized for being an inferior leader to LeBron James on the court, but who is arguably and noticeably more courageous and vocal when it comes to social issues than his contemporaries, in the only game that really matters—that of life.

Carmelo can lead the Knicks in assists, and still be portrayed as selfish, yet we gloss over the numerous actions he has taken that reveal that he is inherently selfless.

I have watched Melo evolve from a young man who made some ill advised statements on a Stop Snitchin’ DVD, to a man who recognizes the power of his voice. Like all Knicks fans, I am excited about the prospects of this upcoming season. New players, a new coach and a modified philosophy and approach to the game should  result in a great basketball year.

However, as big of a fan of the game as I am, I must say that I am even more proud of the fact that there’s a player on my team who is willing to stand up for something.

There will never be another Muhammad Ali. I’m not trying to draw those comparisons. But, the athletes that were always my heroes and sheroes had accomplishments that transcended the field or the court.

In the age of the superstar athlete, where what you say can easily impact how much money you make, my team has a voice in Carmelo Anthony. If he never gets a ring, but manages to convince his peers to use their voices to bring forth societal change, I’d say that would be an amazing legacy to leave behind.

must read: Carmelo Anthony and the influence of the black athlete

I’m honored that he represents the orange and blue. Far from Melo…