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Carmelo Anthony feels bad for Michael Jordan, NBA after All-Star Game moved

By Matt Couden

Jul 21, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) speaks to media before practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) speaks to media before practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Knicks star Carmelo Anthony recently gave his thoughts on the NBA’s decision to move the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte due to North Carolina’s anti-LGBT legislation.

New York Knicks and Team USA star Carmelo Anthony was recently asked about the NBA choosing to officially withdraw the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte as the host city. “Melo” expressed his disappointment aside from the political aspect of things, saying he felt bad for one of the guys in charge of the Hornets.

Anthony told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “Aside from all the politics, I feel bad for MJ [Michael Jordan] because I knew what that was going to do for the city of Charlotte. It was definitely going to boost everything. For him being able to bring All-Star weekend to Charlotte. I feel bad for him and for the NBA, too. We as players didn’t think it was going to get to this. It’s unfortunate.”

While Anthony is supportive of the league’s decision, he’s the second NBA star to come out and express some disappointment for the parties involved. Fellow All-Star Stephen Curry is disappointed for Charlotte since he grew up there. Melo is disappointed for MJ, a guy who has been working diligently to raise the profile of the Hornets franchise. Melo has a connection to MJ due to his involvement with the Air Jordan brand and receiving his own signature line of products.

Throughout trying times, Anthony has recently shown he is among the league’s ambassadors when it comes to leadership, equality and doing the right thing. Just recently, he was joined on stage at the ESPY Awards by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul to promote social change. He also spoke out against a recent move by the WNBA to suppress a player protest against controversial police shootings.

Anthony has also been recently outspoken on social media with regards to his thoughts on political issues saying in a lengthy message, “we have to step up and take charge.” While his actions speak loud on the court, his words should help to encourage others off of it.

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