NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony was arrested early Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, hours after his worst game of the season.
That "worst game" was Denver's win over the Houston Rockets Sunday night, one in which Anthony shot just 3-for-14.
The Nuggets won by 17, so I doubt he was too depressed about it, but whatever. The arrest overshadowed more exciting news yesterday: with Golden State's loss to Phoenix last night, the Nuggets are officially in the playoffs.
To me, the interesting coverage is in the ESPN video on that linked page, where Ric Bucher, who typically annoys me heavily, talks about the arrest. He anticipates the league and team will take no action until the toxicology report is back, which could take up to 10 days.
He also said it's unfortunate for Carmelo, because this arrest will cause everyone to bring up the bad stuff he's done: things like the backpack, the fight, and the video. I don't see that as particularly unfair: NBA or not, if you get arrested for a DUI people are going to talk about the time you got caught with pot or punched that dude in New York.
The real "image" problem for Carmelo is that people, especially casual Nuggets fans, think he's lazy (doesn't play D) or that he just doesn't care that much. And though I'm a Carmelo supporter (he's my favorite Nugget), I think this arrest gives people that impression. I mean, getting picked up a couple days before the playoffs? That's bad timing. And, if he was in fact driving drunk, that's pretty shameful, too. It doesn't add up-Carmelo can't find someone to drive for him? Shoot, I'd pick him up day or night if only for the chance it might keep the Nuggets focused on the playoffs.
Those who say Anthony doesn't care are right to an extent-I don't think Carmelo does care...about his image, at least. Sure, he's gotten some bad press. But if he seriously cared about his image, I'm sure he'd have no problem getting Nike's multi-million dollar publicity machine behind him. And he has done a ton of good, donating lots of money to a youth center in Baltimore, as well as millions to Syracuse.
Bucher also said he doesn't think the arrest will distract the Nuggets, and I think he's absolutely right. (Do you see the Answer coming down on a guy for this?) I just wish the Nuggets were in the news for having a great season (could be the team's first 50-win season since 1987-88) and making the playoffs, instead of for stuff like this.
5 comments:
I had the same reaction as you - Melo, the guy who claims to have a standing entourage of 10 guys, can't find someone to drive him home? Ever heard of a taxi or car service?
Melo may get an unfair rap for his image, but he has done some pretty stupid things. My biggest frustration is that every year there seems to be a reason we underperform in the playoffs, be it injuries, off-court distractions, or coaching problems. I hope this doesn't turn into that kind of thing for this year.
And, no, the Answer wouldn't publicly come down on a guy for something like this - which is why he is 10 times the team leader Jay Cutler will ever be.
I also agree with myself. But, in fairness, 'Melo did slap on his Fidel Castro jacket yesterday and apologize.
Funny thing, the apology article says Iverson was there by him as he was reading it...so in other words, you're absolutely right.
Yeah, what was up with that ridiculous jacket?
I'm glad he at least made a public comment about it instead of just issuing a statement through his lawyer. However, I think it's really inexcusable that he let this happen. Why was he out at 4 in the morning anyway? At that point they still hadn't even locked up a playoff spot, not to mention the fact that he's married ans has no business going out to clubs anyways.
On a positive note, George Karl said this morning that Melo was very focused in practice yesterday and was sincerely apologetic to his team members.
Actually I just realized that Melo isn't married yet, just engaged.
Yeah, he's engaged, and when asked to come pick him up, his fiancee refused. Man, that sucks.
Carmelo obviously screwed up. But I don't know if I care that he was out at 4. I mean, he's 23, he can probably handle it. On the other hand you hope he's taking care of himself and perhaps resting more would give him a better chance to play his best this late in the year. On the other other hand, the Nuggets have a very good chance of not winning the title, but as a Nuggets fan I don't want him thinking about it that way. So I don't know.
Funny thing considering my Hall of Fame post the other day...looking to double-check 'Melo's age I ran across his MySpace page, where he lists Adrian Dantley as one of his "hoop influences". Kinda cool.
Post a Comment