Carmelo Anthony Disappointed By Freddie Gray Ruling
New York Knicks star and Baltimore, Maryland native Carmelo Anthony expressed his sadness over the Freddie Gray ruling.
On April 19, 2015, Freddie Gray died as a result of severe spinal injuries sustained while in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department. More than a year later, a ruling has come down on the highest-ranking officer in the case.
Lieutenant Brian Rice was acquitted of all charges against him, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct.
Circuit Judge Barry G. Williams has now acquitted three of the six officers charged in connection to Gray’s death. It’s caused an outcry in Baltimore, and a feeling of injustice nationwide.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s The Undefeated, New York Knicks star and Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony is saddened by the ruling in the Freddie Gay case.
Knicks & USA Basketball forward Carmelo Anthony on Freddie Gray news in his hometown of Baltimore to @TheUndefeated. pic.twitter.com/yNLRQbnqQU
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 18, 2016
Many echo Anthony’s sentiment.
Following the suspicious death of Freddie Gray, Anthony marched in Baltimore. It was a powerful scene as one of the most popular athletes in the world stood up for what he believed in, and stood by the city that raised him.
Through his Stay Melo series on VICE Sports, Anthony recently reflected on marching for Gray.
Shortly before the release of said video, Anthony took to Instagram in an attempt to motivate his fellow athletes to use their influence to facilitate change.
What followed was a moving speech by Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James at the 2016 ESPY Awards.
WATCH: "The urgency to create change is at an all-time high." - @carmeloanthony https://t.co/V7KMxkibaV
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 14, 2016
Unfortunately, less than a week removed from that incredible speech, another verdict has left the local community searching for answers.
Anthony has been rallying his fellow athletes and celebrities to speak out on social issues. This certainly qualifies as such, as yet another case of police brutality is being ruled in the officers’ favor.
If the officers truly are innocent, then justice is being served.
must read: Carmelo Anthony and the influence of the black athlete
If not, however, then this falls in line with the belief that the justice system is predisposed to treat non-white people as unequals.