Lewis, formerly a star linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, implored those involved in rioting to "stop the violence."

"Baltimore get off the streets. Kids, go home. Stay home," Lewis said in an impassioned video posted on Facebook. "You don't have no right to do what you're doing to this city. Too many hard-working people built this city. We put this city together, we put this city on our back. We're with you. We know what's going on. We know the problems. We know there was wrong done. We know we're not getting the right justice. We know all these answers. But rioting in our streets is wrong -- it's dead wrong."

Violence erupted in Baltimore on Monday following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died April 19 of spinal cord and other injuries suffered while in police custody.

Anthony, who was born in New York but spent much of his childhood in Baltimore, wrote a message on Instagram imploring citizens to "build our city up not tear it down."

"We all want Justice. And our city will get the answers we are looking for," Anthony wrote on Instagram. "My deepest sympathy goes out to the GRAY Family. To see my city in a State of Emergency is just shocking. We need to protect our city, not destroy it. What happens when we get the answers that we want, and the media attention is not there anymore? We go back to being the same ol Baltimore City again. If not yourself, then Think about the youth. How this will impact them. Let's build our city up not tear it down."

The rioting started in West Baltimore on Monday afternoon -- within a mile of where Gray was arrested -- and by midnight had spread to East Baltimore and neighborhoods close to downtown.

The rioters set police cars and buildings on fire, looted a mall and liquor stores and hurled rocks, bottles and cinder blocks at police in riot gear. Police responded occasionally with pepper spray or cleared the streets by moving in tight formation, shoulder to shoulder.

At least 15 officers were hurt, including six who were hospitalized, police said. There were 144 vehicle fires, 15 structure fires and nearly 200 arrests, the mayor's office said.

Lewis and Anthony acknowledged that the city has issues that need to be addressed. But both athletes believed there are more effective ways to spark change than rioting in the streets.

Lewis, an ESPN analyst, pleaded with rioters to return home and restore peace to the city where he spent 17 seasons as a member of the Ravens.

"No way, no way this can happen in our city. Young kids, you've got to understand something. Get off the streets. Violence is not the answer, violence has never been the answer," Lewis said. "... We don't do nothing for [Freddie Gray] doing this. We know there's a deeper issue. We know what the jungle looks like. But this isn't it."

Lewis added: "I can't come back home and this is it -- kids can't walk to the street. This is our future. Our future is in Baltimore -- what we're trying to build is in Baltimore. Too many babies paying attention to this craziness. And the sad part is, we've got young kids trying to tell us how they're going to dictate our city. That won't happen. We must change this right now. Stop the violence man. Go home. I'm telling you, go home. Whatever I gotta do, it will not happen on our clock. It will not happen on our clock."

Later on Tuesday, Lewis said he would remain at home in Maryland rather than work the draft Thursday in Chicago for ESPN in order to help stop the violence in his city.

"I felt that it was more important for me to stay in Baltimore and try to help the city I love. I greatly appreciate ESPN's understanding and flexibility at this late date," Lewis said in a statement. "I did not feel right leaving the city at this time."

Anthony said rioters should focus on "the real issues."

"Although, we want justice, let's look at the real issues at hand," the New York Knicks star wrote. "For example, When was the last school built in Baltimore? That's just one example. I know my community is fed up. I'm all about fighting for what we believe in. The anger, the resentment, the neglect that our community feels right now, will not change over night. Continue, fighting for what you believe in. But remember, it takes no time to destroy something. But, it can take forever to build it back up.

Melo is looked up to.

Rioting is a symptom of rage. People are listening.

I was there a week before the riots. Outside of the Inner Harbor Baltimore makes Camdem, NJ look like the Hamptons. Completely neglected city. Nothing to do with cops but everything to do with socialism and politics. Not abandoned houses but abandoned blocks of houses, burned down houses hanging by its skeleton that were never demolished. I can only imagine he level of crime. However people especially young people are too lazy today to do there own research so they run with what the media and their agenda. Hey let's all riot! When asked what are they rioting/"peaceful" protesting for they don't even know! Government probably welcomes this because it detracts from real issues like the war overseas and economy, outsourcing etc

gunsnewing wrote:I applaud Melo I think he is sincere with his love for his true hometown. However like everyone else around the country he has been led in the wrong direction like Lebron and many others who shouldn't be speaking when they don't have all the facts. Why even involve yourself in these things as Lebron often does. Melo I feel was sincerely distraught at the destruction of his hometown.
This is all media driven. They never mention the rapsheet these guys carry around. Cops don't single out and attack people for no reason. Being a cop in a city like Baltimore is no easy task. I can't even fathom the amount of courage they have. And they are here when your life is on the line.

I was there a week before the riots. Outside of the Inner Harbor Baltimore makes Camdem, NJ look like the Hamptons. Completely neglected city. Nothing to do with cops but everything to do with socialism and politics. Not abandoned houses but abandoned blocks of houses, burned down houses hanging by its skeleton that were never demolished. I can only imagine he level of crime. However people especially young people are too lazy today to do there own research so they run with what the media and their agenda. Hey let's all riot! When asked what are they rioting/"peaceful" protesting for they don't even know! Government probably welcomes this because it detracts from real issues like the war overseas and economy, outsourcing etc

Wholly misguided commentary...Cops have it hard so the occasional snapped spine comes with the territory??..Folks don't know why they are marching???..

holfresh wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I applaud Melo I think he is sincere with his love for his true hometown. However like everyone else around the country he has been led in the wrong direction like Lebron and many others who shouldn't be speaking when they don't have all the facts. Why even involve yourself in these things as Lebron often does. Melo I feel was sincerely distraught at the destruction of his hometown.
This is all media driven. They never mention the rapsheet these guys carry around. Cops don't single out and attack people for no reason. Being a cop in a city like Baltimore is no easy task. I can't even fathom the amount of courage they have. And they are here when your life is on the line.

I was there a week before the riots. Outside of the Inner Harbor Baltimore makes Camdem, NJ look like the Hamptons. Completely neglected city. Nothing to do with cops but everything to do with socialism and politics. Not abandoned houses but abandoned blocks of houses, burned down houses hanging by its skeleton that were never demolished. I can only imagine he level of crime. However people especially young people are too lazy today to do there own research so they run with what the media and their agenda. Hey let's all riot! When asked what are they rioting/"peaceful" protesting for they don't even know! Government probably welcomes this because it detracts from real issues like the war overseas and economy, outsourcing etc

Wholly misguided commentary...Cops have it hard so the occasional snapped spine comes with the territory??..Folks don't know why they are marching???..

Socialism? You mention outsourcing right at the end there.

Cops don't single out and attack people for no reason.

Maybe you are technically correct, there is always a reason. But that doesn't mean the reason is always valid or lawful. The reasons are too often petty or unjust. Do you live in New York City? I have a really bad day of work, the worst I can do it take it out on my computer keyboard. However if these guys do, they may beat down citizens.

Socialism? I see the current state of Baltimore, Camden, and Detroit in part a result of American capitalists divesting from this country to invest in countries that are actually socialist like China and Vietnam, and unjust practices from the real estate and mortgage industries over the last 40 years.

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2015/04/29/david-simon-on-baltimore-s-anguish

Nalod wrote:
Good for Melo and anyone one else that can help calm things down and prevent loss of life and property damage. He may be fat, he may be selfish (he should be marching with MDA and LIN)and ruined our lives but he is a positive role model in Balitimore and his efforts are for the greater good! Photo ops are part of being involved good or bad!

I don't totally disagree, but as far as I know the only loss of life that occurred was the homicide the cops committed that started the demonstrations. It was announced this morning that the DA is charging the cops involved with homicide.

crzymdups wrote:

Nalod wrote:
Good for Melo and anyone one else that can help calm things down and prevent loss of life and property damage. He may be fat, he may be selfish (he should be marching with MDA and LIN)and ruined our lives but he is a positive role model in Balitimore and his efforts are for the greater good! Photo ops are part of being involved good or bad!

I don't totally disagree, but as far as I know the only loss of life that occurred was the homicide the cops committed that started the demonstrations. It was announced this morning that the DA is charging the cops involved with homicide.

They should be charged if it is proven to have been unprevoked and Gray did not commit a crime this time. This case is a little different than the other ridiculous cases we've seen this year I have to say.

I'm just sick of it all and want racism to end. Remove "Race" from all government forms. There is only one race. We are all humans. Dogs come in all colors but we still see them as dogs and nothing else. Something went array years ago but it has to change now. I feel like we have gone backwards after everything that has happened this year and the media is trying to divide the nation for their own personal gains and the government has failed to do its job in uniting the people of America. In fact I think they Want to divide the nation. So much arguing between republicans and democrats. Get rid of political parties. Let's just try to come to a mutual agreement. I bet if we all got down to the basics all our political views and needs would line up perfectly. Why be forced to pick a side even when you don't agree with everything. I hope we figure it out one day

gunsnewing wrote:

DrAlphaeus wrote:

holfresh wrote:

gunsnewing wrote:I applaud Melo I think he is sincere with his love for his true hometown. However like everyone else around the country he has been led in the wrong direction like Lebron and many others who shouldn't be speaking when they don't have all the facts. Why even involve yourself in these things as Lebron often does. Melo I feel was sincerely distraught at the destruction of his hometown.
This is all media driven. They never mention the rapsheet these guys carry around. Cops don't single out and attack people for no reason. Being a cop in a city like Baltimore is no easy task. I can't even fathom the amount of courage they have. And they are here when your life is on the line.

I was there a week before the riots. Outside of the Inner Harbor Baltimore makes Camdem, NJ look like the Hamptons. Completely neglected city. Nothing to do with cops but everything to do with socialism and politics. Not abandoned houses but abandoned blocks of houses, burned down houses hanging by its skeleton that were never demolished. I can only imagine he level of crime. However people especially young people are too lazy today to do there own research so they run with what the media and their agenda. Hey let's all riot! When asked what are they rioting/"peaceful" protesting for they don't even know! Government probably welcomes this because it detracts from real issues like the war overseas and economy, outsourcing etc

Wholly misguided commentary...Cops have it hard so the occasional snapped spine comes with the territory??..Folks don't know why they are marching???..

Socialism? You mention outsourcing right at the end there.

Cops don't single out and attack people for no reason.

Maybe you are technically correct, there is always a reason. But that doesn't mean the reason is always valid or lawful. The reasons are too often petty or unjust. Do you live in New York City? I have a really bad day of work, the worst I can do it take it out on my computer keyboard. However if these guys do, they may beat down citizens.

Socialism? I see the current state of Baltimore, Camden, and Detroit in part a result of American capitalists divesting from this country to invest in countries that are actually socialist like China and Vietnam, and unjust practices from the real estate and mortgage industries over the last 40 years.

Worse I live in Newark, NJ

Honestly some cops are real A$$holes especially in NYC. No question the system needs to be revamped completely. Re-training and standards raised. The countless mistakes the cops made in the Eric Gardner case which was on video for all to see over a ****in loosie! NYC doesn't care they are only interested in revenue more than anywhere in the country.

Bottomline stay out of trouble. Set an example for the younger generation. Prove to them that they don't have to continue to follow those who went down the wrong path. Change America's perspective in a positive way so cops don't have to fear walking in a dark housing project with a finger on the trigger fearing for their lives.and most importantly do not resist arrest. Deal with it later especially when there are plenty witnesses and video. Every single one of these guys would be alive today had they not resisted arrest. If you are going to commit crimes you belong in jail away from the public until you are truly rehabilitated. Not back on the streets selling Heroin to 17yr olds. What a great contribution to society eh? We need to invest more money into mental health

OK, I'm from Paterson, live in Brooklyn. Look at Paterson: the first planned industrial city in the US. Its rise and downfall is practically a textbook about industrial greed and political opportunism. And yes, there is the personal responsibility. I turned on Hot 97 the other day and listened to Flex and its just so much cynical trash. There is barely the sense of political consciousness that was there when I was listening to hip-hop in the early 90s. I may have gone at TripleThreat recently about his critique of the culture, but we are all seeing how vapid and shallow the culture has gotten. As for jail and rehabilitation: our current prison system practically cements these issues in our communities for the future generations. It's a mess. It does make me sad to see the rioting because 50 years ago that happened in Newark, Paterson and was just used to further justify the redlining that was already happening, and help developers piggyback on the federal highway system to prop up suburbs which nowadays are declining and running into a lot of the problems of joblessness and drug abuse as well. We can't keep running away from our problems as a country.