In a recent interview, Begley, then covering the Knicks for ESPN, said Anthony stepped in unprompted when it appeared the club was preparing to waive forward Cleanthony Early in 2016.

“Carmelo said, ‘I’ll pay your whole salary.’ Like just as a teammate, as an NBA brother,” Begley recalled, adding that the gesture has shaped how he views Anthony beyond the court. “You talk about him as a basketball player, flaws, pros and cons, but just as a man and what he stands for, that will always stay with me.”

“Remember Cleanthony Early? He got caught up in something, a strip club, I don’t remember the details, but I think the Knicks were going to have to cut him. Carmelo said, ‘I’ll pay your whole salary.’ Like just as a teammate, as an NBA brother,” Begley stated.

He spoke about how that painted a positive picture of Anthony during Early’s time of need. The reporter acknowledged that, despite all the accolades bestowed upon Anthony, this offer stuck in his mind.

“That, to me, told me a lot about him, too, where he puts his energy. You can’t like… You talk about him as a basketball player, flaws, pros and cons, but just as a man and what he stands for, that will always stay with me,” Begley said.

Early’s NBA future was in doubt after he was robbed and shot in the knee outside a New York strip club in late 2015 while leaving in an Uber with his girlfriend. The incident sidelined him and threatened his place on the Knicks’ roster.

According to Begley, word of the team’s plans prompted Anthony’s offer to personally cover Early’s salary if that would prevent the cut.

Early later continued his career overseas, playing in Europe and the Middle East.

Anthony, a 10-time All-Star who led the Knicks to multiple playoff appearances and remains one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor that, for those who witnessed moments like this, also underscores his stature as a teammate and leader.

The post Carmelo Anthony Once Offered to Cover Teammate’s Full Salary appeared first on Black Elites.

Now, their mission is coming to fruition, as the fund allocates $40,000 to support HBCU students pursuing ambitious goals in business.

Eight dedicated students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities will each receive $5,000, not merely as a financial aid, but as a strong affirmation of their potential.

These scholarships are not just any ordinary business grants, they are designed for students who aspire to leverage entrepreneurship as a means of effecting social change, uplifting their communities while forging their own paths.

For Carmelo Anthony, the inception of this fund arose from a moment of reflection. “We were witnessing a pivotal time in society and our community, and our country, and it was right in front of us, with the world watching,” Anthony shared.

“It was a moment where I had to ponder, ‘What do I want to contribute?’” That contemplation sparked meaningful discussions and ultimately led to action, bringing together three basketball icons under the belief that change is achievable through investing in the youth.

The Social Change Fund United is not acting in isolation. NBA and WNBA stars, including Candace Parker and CJ McCollum, have joined the cause, accompanied by advisors who are skilled at transforming vision into tangible impact.

The fund has already made significant strides, distributing over $182,000 in grants across 24 cities and supporting initiatives that confront injustice directly.

Yet, at its core, the fund is centered on individuals, students striving to overcome obstacles, families aspiring for brighter futures, and a collective of athletes utilizing their platforms for positive change.

Although the application period for this round has ended, the enthusiasm is just beginning. The winners will be announced on July 1, and their stories are sure to motivate even more young leaders to dream and take bold action.

The post NBA Legends Launch $40K Scholarships for HBCU Business Students appeared first on Black Elites.

The basketball insider shared the news on social media Wednesday, citing sources who confirmed that Anthony had been officially notified of his induction into the Class of 2025.

“First ballot: Carmelo Anthony has been notified that he’s been elected into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” Charania posted. “Anthony made 10 All-Star appearances and six All-NBA teams in 19 seasons, to go along with three Olympic gold medals for Team USA.”

A Career of Excellence on Every Level

Though Anthony never won an NBA championship, he is widely regarded as one of the most gifted scorers in league history. His career included standout stints with the Denver Nuggets, who selected him third overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, and the New York Knicks, where he became a franchise icon.

He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and concluded his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony’s basketball journey began with a spectacular freshman season at Syracuse University, where he led the Orange to their first—and still only—NCAA men’s basketball championship in 2003.

On the international stage, Anthony became one of the most decorated players in USA Basketball history. Across four Olympic appearances, he earned three gold medals, became the all-time leader in games played and rebounds, and ranks second in total points scored for Team USA. His 37-point outburst against Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympics set a new scoring record for a single game in U.S. Olympic basketball history.

Beyond Basketball

Since retiring from the NBA in 2022 after a 19-season career, Anthony has shifted his focus to business and philanthropic ventures, including film production and social impact projects. He has remained a visible figure in sports and culture, continuing to inspire both on and off the court.

Anthony will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year alongside other members of the 2025 class, in a ceremony that will celebrate one of the most influential players of his generation.

The post Carmelo Anthony Elected to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 appeared first on Black Elites.

Anthony co-founded the wine collection with business partner Asani Swann, launching the brand in November 2024 via social media. The post teased the exclusive offer with a call for sign-ups and a promise of limited-edition releases.

The venture quickly gained momentum. Just a week after the launch, the founders revealed a partnership with Stagwell, forged through connections made at the Sport Beach 2023 event. This collaboration led to the inaugural Wine and Spirits Festival at Cannes Lions the following year, held at Sport Beach in 2024, with plans for more joint initiatives on the horizon.

“We look forward to working closely with Stagwell and ushering in new opportunities for both of our businesses,” Swann said. “By combining our strengths and reach, we’ll have the ability to amplify our impact in both sports and business across platforms.”

After a 19-season NBA career that included stints with the Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony is now focused on growing his diverse business portfolio. Despite never capturing an NBA title, he remains one of the league’s most respected figures.

The post Former Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony Launches Wine at MSG appeared first on Black Elites.