Will Carmelo's Latest Incident Hurt Corporate America Appeal?

Anthony Apologizes For Latest Off-Court Incident

Nuggets F Carmelo Anthony was arrested Monday morning for suspicion of DUI, and the team believes the "latest Anthony headline is not any different from ones in the past," according to James Paton of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS. Anthony publicly apologized yesterday, saying he would "man-up for my mistake." Paton notes Anthony previously has always found a way "to deflect attention" when bad headlines hit -- after being suspended 15 games for fighting last season, he was named to the All-Star Game, and following being caught at the Denver airport in '04 with marijuana in his backpack, a "friend took the blame and authorities dropped the charges." Anthony recently agreed to multi-year contract extension with Nike's Jordan Brand, and he also has a deal with Powerade, but "ugly press will not help Anthony court large corporations." Anthony's advisers "wouldn't say much about what direction [he] wants to head," but it is clear Anthony, "is more interested in advancing into a realm in which traditional agents lack expertise. It's more about music and movies and less about mainstream corporate America." Tease Marketing Founder Theresa Tran, recently hired by Anthony to act as his PR rep, said that the audience "he wants to reach likely doesn't care about his personal issues." Tran added that the goal is to "transform [Anthony] into a 'global icon' and use the Beijing Olympics as leverage" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 4/16).

REPUTATION TAKES ANOTHER HIT: In Denver, Benjamin Hochman writes Anthony's reputation "took another punch" with the DUI arrest. Since becoming a Nugget in '03, Anthony has been "involved in numerous incidents that have tarnished his reputation" (DENVER POST, 4/16). Also in Denver, Mark Kiszla writes Anthony "played into every stereotype of young basketball millionaires accused by old-school fans of caring more about partying than winning" (DENVER POST, 4/16). The ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS' Dave Krieger: "It is past time for Anthony to care more about his team and the messages he sends to his vast public. Past time to accept the concept of responsibility. Past time to grow up" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 4/15). In Colorado Springs, David Ramsey writes, "It's time -- it's past time -- for Anthony to quit talking and start working" (Colorado Springs GAZETTE, 4/16). S.F. Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto on Anthony being arrested:  "I think he cares about basketball, but he is part of a new generation of players who have decided, 'I have more money than I have years behind me, so I'm bulletproof'" ("Jim Rome Is Burning,'' ESPN, 4/15).