New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Is Over Colin Kaepernick's Protest 1
Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Knicks 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony on Colin Kaepernick: “I’m past that.”

The New York Knicks 2016-2017 season tips off Tuesday in Cleveland against LeBron James and the defending NBA champion Cavaliers. There’s been much talk of how the association, considered the most socially progressive in professional sports, would touch on the national anthem protests staged by Colin Kaepernick, in light of social inequality.

Carmelo Anthony has been on the front-lines recently. He stood in unison with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul at ESPN’s ESPY awards last summer, to make a statement against police brutality.

Melo has increasingly used his platform to speak on social issues. So how does he feel about Kaepernick’s form of protest?

In a conversation with Howard Beck and Jonathan Abrams of Bleacher Report, Melo shed light on his approach.

“I’m past the gestures. I’m past that. It’s all about creating things now and putting things in motion. So, that’s what I’m on. I’m trying to get guys on board with that and help them understand that—enough of the gesturing and talking and all of that stuff—we need to start putting things in place,” he clarified.

He emphasized unison as the vehicle to advance the message, without vilifying Kap’s approach. Melo went on to say, “He was courageous enough to do that. He created that. He created the kneeling and that protest. And people fell in line with that. Some people supported it. Some people didn’t. But at the end of the day, and I’m not taking nothing away from him…I just don’t think the gesturing is creating anything. I think it’s bringing awareness, but I think doing stuff and creating awareness in the communities [is more effective].”

Melo is an opinionated guy and wields his fair share of influence. Every non-violent approach to treating social inequality is on the table, as no one way has been successful. The symbolic approach reopened the conversation; Melo’s action over words plan for accountability can advance it.

h/t: Bleacher Report