Watch: Carmelo Anthony Has More to Say About African-Americans Being Killed by Police
Gotta give it up to Carmelo Anthony.
The New York Knicks' All-Star forward's initial Instagram post two weeks ago calling on athletes to assemble and force change led to him, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul taking the ESPYs stage last week and urging that sports stars do more to help end police brutality against African-Americans.
But Melo isn't done leading the charge yet. Currently in Las Vegas training for the 2016 Olympics with his USA Basketball teammates, Anthony continued to speak about the plight of the country, including police brutality against Black men and cops being targeted.
"It's unfortunate, it's sad," Anthony said Monday, as reported by ESPN. "You can't really put into words what's going on throughout the whole country, throughout the whole world. For us as a country, we have to stand united. We have to come together."
The powerful ESPYs moment he shared with his baller brothers might translate to a similar type of message being made on the Olympic podium if USA wins the gold medal in hoops — something they're fully expected to do.
Anthony added: "We always say that the timing could not have been any better for us as a country, having a chance to come together and being united, then go over there on the biggest stage you can possibly play on and have that voice and represent something that is bigger than us as players."
Check out his full statement below.
USA Basketball teammate Draymond Green is with it.
"I think it can be great. When we talk about 'united,' that's what we keep talking about," Green said, as reported by ESPN. "Obviously we saw a lot of guys speak out about guys getting in front of this thing, and coming together right now with the opportunity to possibly win a gold medal and try to lead the charge with what's going on in the country. I think it could be really special."
ESPN reports that the road to Rio de Janeiro for the Summer Games could include a community forum with the Olympic squad and NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Stay woke for that.
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