Former NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony sounded off on the United States government this week, saying they completely turned their backs on Puerto Rico after the island was slammed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
The destruction of the storms left thousands dead and millions without power and resources, with the U.S Government being criticized by many for not helping citizens of Puerto Rico more. Carmelo Anthony’s father, who passed when Anthony was two years old, was born in Puerto Rico.
“It hurt … they’re American citizens,” Anthony told CNN.
Anthony, who’s set to become a free agent after being traded from Oklahoma City to Atlanta, is expected to sign a contract to join the Houston Rockets. He’s long been known as one of the more outspoken players in the NBA since being drafted in 2003.
“We sent, you know, airplanes down there with supplies,” Anthony said. “We had the supply stuff at the … you know, at the port; we couldn’t get in. We had to make calls and — it was just a lot. It was just sad that we had to go through (that) … in order to help people.
“Puerto Rico is part of this country and I just felt like the government completely turned their back, you know, to their island,” Anthony added.
