Ray Lewis, Carmelo Anthony Lead Athletes Calling For Stop To Baltimore Violence

ESPN NFL analyst Ray Lewis and Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, two of Baltimore's "most recognizable athletes," yesterday "took to social media to share their thoughts on the violence in the city," according to Ian Begley of ESPN N.Y. Lewis "implored those involved in rioting to 'stop the violence.'" Lewis in a video posted to Facebook said, "Baltimore, get off the streets. Kids, go home. Stay home. You don't have no right to do what you're doing to this city." Anthony, who spent much of his childhood in Baltimore, wrote a message on Instagram imploring citizens to "build our city up not tear it down." He added, "To see my city in a State of Emergency is just shocking. We need to protect our city, not destroy it" (ESPNNY.com, 4/28). Other athletes took to Twitter to express their thoughts and concerns. Olympic swimmer and Baltimore native Michael Phelps wrote, "I love our city. And it's truly a great city and I know we're better than this. We can get through this together! #BeMore." Wizards F Paul Pierce wrote, "Having witnessed the LA riots first hand I know this is not the solution. Baltimore Stop the Violence!" 49ers WR Torrey Smith, who played four years with the Ravens, wrote, "Baltimore this isn't the answer!!!" (TWITTER.com, 4/28).

THE VOICE OF REASON: FS1’s Brendon Ayanbadejo discussed what an athlete’s role should be during times of social unrest and said, “There has to be a voice of reason. If you’re not going to listen to the local government, you might listen to an athlete." Ayanbadejo, who played five years with the Ravens, said, "Take to your Instagram, take to your social media. Tell people, ‘You’re not doing the right thing by going out there and causing violence, by looting and by causing fires and doing the things we see out there.’ It’s overshadowing all the good things that people are doing in Baltimore. There are peaceful protests. There are church congregations that are getting together. There are peaceful people taking to the streets, but it’s all being overshadowed by the violence. So we have to get together. The voice of reason can come from athletes. It can come from politicians. It just seems like with this age, this demographic, they’re going to listen to us more than they’re going to listen to the local authorities” (“America’s Pregame,” FS1, 4/28).