Carmelo Anthony may not have won a title at the NBA level, but he remains a champion in the eyes of his former teammates. The former 10-time all-star, who was recently honored and gave a heartwarming speech at the Hall of Fame, is a good guy off the court, too. Cleanthony Early, who played for the Knicks from 2014 to 2016, got into trouble in December 2015. He was robbed and shot by robbers after leaving a New York strip club with his girlfriend.
After recovering for three months, Early successfully appeared on an NBA court again. However, despite showing progress, he was eventually cut by the Knicks in 2016. Sensing that Early may not have another shot at the league again, Carmelo Anthony offered to pay Early’s remaining salary after the tragic incident.
“Carmelo Anthony offered to pay Cleanthony Early’s entire salary after being cut by the Knicks. Early was robbed and shot outside Cityscapes Gentleman’s club in December 2015,” according to Ian Bagley, a Knicks reporter on SNY.
Anthony’s gesture isn’t surprising. Throughout his 19-year career in the association, he wasn’t involved in any off-court issues. He was loved and respected by his teammates.
Carmelo Anthony Almost Became A Laker In 2011
It may be hard to believe, but Anthony was almost traded to the Lakers in 2011. Frustrated with his contract negotiations with the Denver Nuggets, Anthony demanded a trade in 2010. His demand wasn’t immediately fulfilled. He started the 2010-2011 season with Denver, playing 50 games with them before his trade request was granted.
Anthony went on to star for the Knicks for six-plus seasons. Due to his game slowing down, he spent his latter years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers, and finally became a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021. The 2013 NBA scoring champion left the game in 2022.
The post When Carmelo Anthony Offered To Pay A Knicks Teammate’s Salary After Tragic Incident originally published on Total Pro Sports.