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Sports in Society

Carmelo Anthony, U.S. Olympic Men's, Women's Teams Participate In L.A. Forum

There were "about 200 people in attendance" yesterday at a forum in L.A. hosted by Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, which focused on shootings involving black men and law enforcement in recent weeks, and Anthony hopes the conversation "will be the first of several that take place across the country over the next year," according to Arash Markazi of ESPN L.A. Anthony also hopes the talks are "not only NBA and WNBA players but athletes in all sports and community leaders in their respective cities" (ESPNLA.com, 7/25). Anthony: "I’m not going to change it by myself. It’s going to take a collective effort, and it’s going to take time, but we have to start by talking to one another, being honest with one another, not just pointing fingers at the officers or the officers pointing fingers at us.” LAPD Deputy Chief Bill Scott said that "having involvement from Anthony and other celebrities such as rappers Snoop Dogg and The Game, can help increase the dialogue between the police and civilians." In L.A., Dan Woike noted yesterday's forum also included members of Team USA basketball, the LAPD and L.A. youth and community leaders. (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 7/26). Anthony said, "The youth really, really spoke out today about how they feel about their community, how they feel about police officers, how they feel about relationships and how we can mend these relationships" (L.A. TIMES, 7/26). 

LEADING EXAMPLE: In N.Y., Scott Cacciola notes after the forum, participants "broke into groups for smaller discussions about topics that centered on the police and race relations." The event "lasted about two hours," and "was not open to reporters." Anthony also lauded Hornets Owner Michael Jordan for "speaking out." Anthony said of Jordan's announcement: "It was brilliant and about time that he stepped up. Because at the end of the day, amongst us, he is our face." Meanwhile, Anthony has "decided to use his platform to bring attention to social issues that matter to him." Cacciola: "If his public positions are not bold, ... his willingness to commit his time and energy has set an example for other athletes, some of whom are following his lead" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/26).

PICK YOUR BATTLES? Anthony in a Q&A with VICE SPORTS said, "When one thing happens and you step out there and you say something -- you speak on that topic -- then another thing happens, then another thing happens and it starts snowballing. Everybody expects you to say something about every single thing and then it's not impactful." He added, "You really have to pick your battles. A lot of the things that have happened as of late, over the past year or two, have hit home. That was the reason for me to really speak out, because it was in my backyard" (SPORTS.VICE.com, 7/25). In Detroit, Jamie Samuelsen writes he would "love it if more athletes spoke out," as this is a "very important, volatile point in our history." Samuelsen: "That said, I can't think of any reason why any athlete would. ... Athletes have much to give, but they have more to lose. The trade-off simply isn't worth it" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/26). 

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