The statement, it turns out, only scratched the surface. When Michele Roberts complained in a mid-April release about Phil Jackson’s “inappropriate comments” on Carmelo Anthony, she had much more to say about the Knicks president’s use of his bully pulpit against the franchise’s veteran star.

Much more to allege.

“I think Phil was deliberately trying to shame ‘Melo out of the city,” she told The Vertical.

Roberts, the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, said she had all but given up on waiting for the league to sanction Jackson – something that she “would have bet my paycheck on” after hearing of his comments two days after the conclusion of another wretched Knicks season.

She had immediately flashed back to September 2015, when Markieff Morris, then with the Suns, was fined $10,000 for tweeting, “My future is not in Phoenix,” after twin brother Marcus was dealt to Detroit. Commissioner Adam Silver’s office decided that was a “public statement detrimental to the NBA.” So when Jackson, speaking to New York’s beat reporters for the first time since September, said, among other things, that Anthony “would be better off somewhere else,” Roberts kept coming up with one answer when she asked herself what was the difference?

In terms of actionable speech considered detrimental to the game, there was none, beyond an apparent double standard for executives and players and, more perplexing, the league’s longtime habit of shrugging its figurative shoulders at the periodic behavioral transgressions committed under the Madison Square Garden circus tent pitched by its owner, James Dolan.

“I have players who are unhappy that this hasn’t been responded to by the league,” Roberts told The Vertical.

Anthony aside, that is the wider view, she said, “for when another GM gets it in his head that it’s OK to treat a player this way because Phil got away with it.”

And where does it lead? Where does it end? Jackson callously made a public piñata of Anthony because he wants him to waive the no-trade clause that he, of course, handed the perennial All-Star along with a five-year contract in 2014. Could Jackson or another team executive publicly degrade a veteran they want off the roster in order to make him retire? To accept a buyout? Would it be appropriate to fat-shame a player into losing weight?

“The comments do damage to the game because they devalue the player and makes the fans who buy tickets question the value of the investment,” Roberts said.

As a longtime trial lawyer and advocate of First Amendment rights, one of the first axiomatic sports concepts she grappled with upon taking the players association job in July 2014 – the same month that Jackson re-signed Anthony – was the limits on individual speech for the so-called good of the game.

Knicks president Phil Jackson used his bully pulpit in an attempt to get Carmelo Anthony to waive his no-trade clause. (AP)
Knicks president Phil Jackson used his bully pulpit in an attempt to get Carmelo Anthony to waive his no-trade clause. (AP)
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“Our players understand that they can privately complain about how a team is managed but they cannot do it publicly without being subject to sanction,” she said. “But it has to work both ways. If Phil tells ‘Melo in private that being in New York is not a good fit for him, that’s his right. But these comments were made in public, and it’s very disturbing because Phil gave him the no-trade clause and he has to respect it. He’s got to allow a player to make a decision for any reason – to win a ring, for money, home life, whatever.”

It is entirely possible that Anthony has already decided, or is leaning in the direction of granting Jackson his wish, provided Jackson can place him with a team of his choosing. The Clippers, for instance, whose need for him, or any help, has only intensified with another first-round playoff exit.

Anthony has to know that with or without him, the Knicks aren’t likely to soon provide him a springtime playoff stage. Turning 33 later this month, his career clock is ticking. But that is also assuming he measures time, and achievement, in full-bore pursuit of the almighty ring.

But you don’t have to be of that conventional mindset or even a fan of Anthony’s game to acknowledge the NCAA title he carried Syracuse to as a freshman, the three Olympic gold medals, the 10 All-Star seasons that make him a certain Hall of Famer. How great are the odds that Anthony wins one if he lands with the Clippers? Surely he knows they improve if he calls Jackson’s bluff, says he won’t waive the no-trade clause and dares Jackson to release him so he can fit easily into the salary cap of any desirable team.

The decline in his game the last couple of years has been noticeable, but who says he can’t chase the ring as a less-expensive investment when his Knicks contract ends in 2019? He’ll be 35 then, the same age Joe Johnson is now, with the same tag Anthony has worn – isolation specialist – while emerging as the shot-making difference in the Jazz’s seven-game takedown of the Clippers.

And what if Anthony should decide that basketball results mean less to him than personal interests, and staying in New York in the wake of reported marital strife would benefit his relationship with his son? Would that be more of a self-inflicted crime against what others believe is the proper management of his career, or a constructive commentary about his commitment as a father?

Anthony is a vice president on the players’ association executive committee, but Roberts said she had not spoken to him about Jackson’s remarks, or anything else.

“I feel for ‘Melo, this is a tough time for him and I can only imagine how he’s feeling,” she said. “I know he has been talking to some other people so I’ll let him sort it all out.”

On what comes next professionally, he had the right to do so without Jackson publicly pushing him to the city limits, trying to recruit the fan base into his camp. If public shaming was Jackson’s game, he mostly succeeded – sanction or no sanction – in exposing himself.

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Lol

EnySpree wrote:http://www.ultimateknicks.com/forum/topic.asp?t=56403

Lol

Phil has never once said what Melo hasnt done, what Melo doesnt do or how or why Melo is responsible for anything going on here. He's said we have not won with him, and at this stage of his career it makes sense for him to move on. Shamed! My god. What baby ****.

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:Article in the Fordham Law Journal says Jackson can't be fined for his comments, cba has different rules for players etc.
http://www.fordhamiplj.org/2017/05/01/nba-take-disciplinary-action-phil-jackson/

Say he would be better off winning elsewhere and he is being shamed? One thing melo can't retort with "Winning is not the most important thing to me". See, if winning is the most important thing, and it is for fans, then Melo should want to leave. I like Melo's kid and glad he likes his school. BUt it don't help us win. I like La La, she is pretty. I'd want to stay with my wife and not move. But it don't help the knicks. Melo says "La La married, not me"......So we were duped into caring about melo and his family man rep to have a NTC so he can stay home. But he cheats on his wife, and knicks not winning!!!!

So yes, he is being shamed into "Winning". Break it down, Melo was told to he has a better chance of winning elsewhere cuz we are not doing it with him. He can't say a thing because he won't sacrifice his game and he has not done much recruiting. So he can't say "No I want to win and contribute". Why? Cuz phil can say "Then why you holding the ball? We talked about this for three years and there you are, holding the ball.....>WHY?" He wants other things more than knicks winning. There is no other answer!

Imagine, having to be Shamed into winning!!! PHil is a genius!!!!

Now, lets look at Lebron and "Winning". That dude wants to win. He has eaten salary and moved twice to chase that opportunity. Melo don't want to leave. Why? Brand, Marriage, Kid. Good reasons. Makes him a good person? Ok, I like Melo. He a good family man!!! Nice. He likes NY. THats nice. WOn't sacrifice his game for Knicks. Why should he. He won't keep his dyke in his pants for his wife. Why should he be faithful to you knick fans? (AKA: Golden Mooby worship). He is a good father. I don't know, is cheating on the mother of your kid a good example of being a good dad? I'd take a bullet for my kid, sacrifice to save and put them thru school. But a man can't keep his dyck in his pants? If their marriage is not functioning, then call it that and move on. Its awful for a kid to read his date got caught cheating. It devalues a child.

Shame on YOU Melo!!!!

knicks1248 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:Article in the Fordham Law Journal says Jackson can't be fined for his comments, cba has different rules for players etc.
http://www.fordhamiplj.org/2017/05/01/nba-take-disciplinary-action-phil-jackson/

Say he would be better off winning elsewhere and he is being shamed? One thing melo can't retort with "Winning is not the most important thing to me". See, if winning is the most important thing, and it is for fans, then Melo should want to leave. I like Melo's kid and glad he likes his school. BUt it don't help us win. I like La La, she is pretty. I'd want to stay with my wife and not move. But it don't help the knicks. Melo says "La La married, not me"......So we were duped into caring about melo and his family man rep to have a NTC so he can stay home. But he cheats on his wife, and knicks not winning!!!!

So yes, he is being shamed into "Winning". Break it down, Melo was told to he has a better chance of winning elsewhere cuz we are not doing it with him. He can't say a thing because he won't sacrifice his game and he has not done much recruiting. So he can't say "No I want to win and contribute". Why? Cuz phil can say "Then why you holding the ball? We talked about this for three years and there you are, holding the ball.....>WHY?" He wants other things more than knicks winning. There is no other answer!

Imagine, having to be Shamed into winning!!! PHil is a genius!!!!

Now, lets look at Lebron and "Winning". That dude wants to win. He has eaten salary and moved twice to chase that opportunity. Melo don't want to leave. Why? Brand, Marriage, Kid. Good reasons. Makes him a good person? Ok, I like Melo. He a good family man!!! Nice. He likes NY. THats nice. WOn't sacrifice his game for Knicks. Why should he. He won't keep his dyke in his pants for his wife. Why should he be faithful to you knick fans? (AKA: Golden Mooby worship). He is a good father. I don't know, is cheating on the mother of your kid a good example of being a good dad? I'd take a bullet for my kid, sacrifice to save and put them thru school. But a man can't keep his dyck in his pants? If their marriage is not functioning, then call it that and move on. Its awful for a kid to read his date got caught cheating. It devalues a child.

Shame on YOU Melo!!!!

I am wondering why you would quote a link to an article without discussing anything from the article.
What is the purpose of your response?

Because they can't right a sentence with mentioning melo's name.. If I didn't know better, I would think that once we get rid of melo, we are instant contenders, look out labron, curry here come the knicks and the triangle to change the the NBA land scape..

Knicks Have a 100 other issues but you would think melos the only one

CrushAlot wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:Article in the Fordham Law Journal says Jackson can't be fined for his comments, cba has different rules for players etc.
http://www.fordhamiplj.org/2017/05/01/nba-take-disciplinary-action-phil-jackson/

Say he would be better off winning elsewhere and he is being shamed? One thing melo can't retort with "Winning is not the most important thing to me". See, if winning is the most important thing, and it is for fans, then Melo should want to leave. I like Melo's kid and glad he likes his school. BUt it don't help us win. I like La La, she is pretty. I'd want to stay with my wife and not move. But it don't help the knicks. Melo says "La La married, not me"......So we were duped into caring about melo and his family man rep to have a NTC so he can stay home. But he cheats on his wife, and knicks not winning!!!!

So yes, he is being shamed into "Winning". Break it down, Melo was told to he has a better chance of winning elsewhere cuz we are not doing it with him. He can't say a thing because he won't sacrifice his game and he has not done much recruiting. So he can't say "No I want to win and contribute". Why? Cuz phil can say "Then why you holding the ball? We talked about this for three years and there you are, holding the ball.....>WHY?" He wants other things more than knicks winning. There is no other answer!

Imagine, having to be Shamed into winning!!! PHil is a genius!!!!

Now, lets look at Lebron and "Winning". That dude wants to win. He has eaten salary and moved twice to chase that opportunity. Melo don't want to leave. Why? Brand, Marriage, Kid. Good reasons. Makes him a good person? Ok, I like Melo. He a good family man!!! Nice. He likes NY. THats nice. WOn't sacrifice his game for Knicks. Why should he. He won't keep his dyke in his pants for his wife. Why should he be faithful to you knick fans? (AKA: Golden Mooby worship). He is a good father. I don't know, is cheating on the mother of your kid a good example of being a good dad? I'd take a bullet for my kid, sacrifice to save and put them thru school. But a man can't keep his dyck in his pants? If their marriage is not functioning, then call it that and move on. Its awful for a kid to read his date got caught cheating. It devalues a child.

Shame on YOU Melo!!!!

I am wondering why you would quote a link to an article without discussing anything from the article.
What is the purpose of your response?

Because they can't right a sentence with mentioning melo's name.. If I didn't know better, I would think that once we get rid of melo, we are instant contenders, look out labron, curry here come the knicks and the triangle to change the the NBA land scape..

Knicks Have a 100 other issues but you would think melos the only one

I just don't see the purpose in trying to make a joke out of Phil getting called out again for doing stupid stuff. Phil has made the team one that no free agent wants to come to. An older player might agree to a big over pay like Noah but otherwise it will be the left overs that have no choice if they want to stay in the nba. But the article posted is about the differences in the cba as to what an executive can say versus a player.

You think we should not joke about it? Why?
The union response is joke. I get the gist of what they are doing, but it has no teeth.

Knicks1248, this thread is all about Melo, so its a melo subject. In truth, most that want him gone are sticking to basketball issues and the fact in 7 years we have won with him, but also lost a lot with him. Thus, its time to move on. I have said numerous times I like the guy, and his departure would not yield an immediate equal return in trade. At the same time, without the NTC we would have received Zero back. This is about growing the team without him, and yes, we might fall back a bit.
And be compensated with a pick for that.

Not saying we should not try. If Melo wants to devote himself to playing how his employer wants him to, Im certainly happy to have him back. He is not 100% the reason was have not succeeded. He is a max player and the "Star" of the team and that comes at a price.
We won 31 games. He was not the reason we missed the playoffs, but he sure was not the player that got us there either.

CrushAlot wrote:

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

Nalod wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:Article in the Fordham Law Journal says Jackson can't be fined for his comments, cba has different rules for players etc.
http://www.fordhamiplj.org/2017/05/01/nba-take-disciplinary-action-phil-jackson/

Say he would be better off winning elsewhere and he is being shamed? One thing melo can't retort with "Winning is not the most important thing to me". See, if winning is the most important thing, and it is for fans, then Melo should want to leave. I like Melo's kid and glad he likes his school. BUt it don't help us win. I like La La, she is pretty. I'd want to stay with my wife and not move. But it don't help the knicks. Melo says "La La married, not me"......So we were duped into caring about melo and his family man rep to have a NTC so he can stay home. But he cheats on his wife, and knicks not winning!!!!

So yes, he is being shamed into "Winning". Break it down, Melo was told to he has a better chance of winning elsewhere cuz we are not doing it with him. He can't say a thing because he won't sacrifice his game and he has not done much recruiting. So he can't say "No I want to win and contribute". Why? Cuz phil can say "Then why you holding the ball? We talked about this for three years and there you are, holding the ball.....>WHY?" He wants other things more than knicks winning. There is no other answer!

Imagine, having to be Shamed into winning!!! PHil is a genius!!!!

Now, lets look at Lebron and "Winning". That dude wants to win. He has eaten salary and moved twice to chase that opportunity. Melo don't want to leave. Why? Brand, Marriage, Kid. Good reasons. Makes him a good person? Ok, I like Melo. He a good family man!!! Nice. He likes NY. THats nice. WOn't sacrifice his game for Knicks. Why should he. He won't keep his dyke in his pants for his wife. Why should he be faithful to you knick fans? (AKA: Golden Mooby worship). He is a good father. I don't know, is cheating on the mother of your kid a good example of being a good dad? I'd take a bullet for my kid, sacrifice to save and put them thru school. But a man can't keep his dyck in his pants? If their marriage is not functioning, then call it that and move on. Its awful for a kid to read his date got caught cheating. It devalues a child.

Shame on YOU Melo!!!!

I am wondering why you would quote a link to an article without discussing anything from the article.
What is the purpose of your response?

Because they can't right a sentence with mentioning melo's name.. If I didn't know better, I would think that once we get rid of melo, we are instant contenders, look out labron, curry here come the knicks and the triangle to change the the NBA land scape..

Knicks Have a 100 other issues but you would think melos the only one

I just don't see the purpose in trying to make a joke out of Phil getting called out again for doing stupid stuff. Phil has made the team one that no free agent wants to come to. An older player might agree to a big over pay like Noah but otherwise it will be the left overs that have no choice if they want to stay in the nba. But the article posted is about the differences in the cba as to what an executive can say versus a player.

You think we should not joke about it? Why?
The union response is joke. I get the gist of what they are doing, but it has no teeth.

Knicks1248, this thread is all about Melo, so its a melo subject. In truth, most that want him gone are sticking to basketball issues and the fact in 7 years we have won with him, but also lost a lot with him. Thus, its time to move on. I have said numerous times I like the guy, and his departure would not yield an immediate equal return in trade. At the same time, without the NTC we would have received Zero back. This is about growing the team without him, and yes, we might fall back a bit.
And be compensated with a pick for that.

Not saying we should not try. If Melo wants to devote himself to playing how his employer wants him to, Im certainly happy to have him back. He is not 100% the reason was have not succeeded. He is a max player and the "Star" of the team and that comes at a price.
We won 31 games. He was not the reason we missed the playoffs, but he sure was not the player that got us there either.

I posted an article that said it has no teeth. That wasn't what your response was about. This isn't business as usual and it doesn't happen in other places/with other organizations. It is about Phil and unfortunately because of his position it is about the Knicks.

Its about phuching time someone stood up to underperforming players who come here for the money and don't live up to their verbal promises. Read up on Pop on players he cut, and then bought back when they improved. He is brutal on players. He sits his stars from time to time when they don't play to the system. He sat parker when George Hill outplayed him as a rookie!!! You either respond or be made gone.

Im tired of players not being held accountable and using team as bank. Im not saying phil is not responsible for any of it, cuz he is responsible for ALL OF IT! You think players don't want to be here? Greg Monroe was never given an offer by us, he don't want the pressure and obviously not really improve either. Thats cool, he can come of the bench in Milwaukee. Aldridge was asked to play Center by us. He wants to play the 4. Cool, lets not bother.
No need to bring in aging vets YET until a Yoothier Team Can be established. They not here to win and would want to be paid. Thats what we did with Noah. But the vision was Melo, Rose and Noah. Good idea, didn't work. What do you want, Phil should leave, trash the triangle, take mills with him and then what? Hire the next handsome SAS assistant GM to do what? and if they make a mistake or an idea don't pan out? Call him out for not being experienced? Accuse Dolan for meddling?

Yes, Its all on Phil, no doubt, I hope he brings back Rose but for a very fair contract and he comes off the bench. I hope we move up a few spots in the draft and get a guard, and I hope we can trade Melo and get SOMETHING of value in return. Its better than nothing we would have gotten three years ago. In hindsight, Phil should have passed on Melo but I do think it was worth the try, and who knows, maybe Dolan had one demand that it be attempted with Melo one more time. ITs not working, not the sole reason for teams lack of success. I don't think installing a culture is as easy as we the fans think. Most of you thought phil would have bailed by now to be with Jeannie, or the lakes. Did not happen. Thought Melo would be more committed to his verbal "sacrifice". Did not happen. Phil quickly tried to painless pair melo with talent, it was a good idea with high improbability. I was surprised by the attempt. Im a fan, I wanted it to work. But I'm not hating on Phil because he kept the picks.........and has a lot of youth and attempting to build with non blue chip players. Big change form previous years and administrations. Thats on Phil too. He hired Kerr, thats on Phil. He hired out of the box Fisher, thats on Phil. The man is thinking out of the box and taking risks. Im ok with that. Your not. Good for us!!!

As for Shaming Melo, good, time to move on. The guy wants to stay for his kid, TV show, Brand, sham Marriage, what ever. seems he don't want to be here to play team basketball. NTC is his. Thats on Phil, or Dolan, don't matter, its on KNICKS! Who cares why it is? We don't know. You blame Phil, I blame Dolan, bottom line is the contract is with Knicks. The guy don't want to leave. Knicks want him to go. Three years in, and this guy is doing it his way. He holds the ball. If he wants to win, he adheres or asks to be traded. Nope, he does Neither. So he is being shamed into "Winning". I phucking think its brilliant.
And it serves a warning that NY Knicks are not taking any bullshyt. Same for Noah, same for Rose, and same for anyone else.