Melo questions WNBA's decision to fine players for social protest

The WNBA players recently fined by the league for their protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have the backing of New York Knicks All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

The New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Indiana Fever were all fined $5,000, while each player was fined $500 for violating the league's uniform policy by wearing black warm-up shirts.

"I don’t see no reason to fine them,’’ Anthony said prior to Thursday's practice with the U.S. men's Olympic team, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman. "If anything you should want to support them. I don’t know details, but don’t see a reason to fine them.”

"A bunch of teams did it. Everyone has their own freedom of speech if they decide to use the platform. I don’t see no reason for anybody to get fined. We did it [3 ¹/₂ years ago after the Trayvon Martin shooting]. The NBA did it. The NBA was very supportive. I don’t see any difference in this matter. Right now the players have a very strong stance in what they believe in right now. I don’t think anyone should be fighting that at this moment."

WNBA president Lisa Borders said in a statement that the fines weren't designed to be a punishment for the players' social outcry, but because of the league's rules concerning dress code.

"We are proud of WNBA players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult social issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines," Borders said.

Anthony is planning to host a community meeting in Los Angeles next week when the Olympic squad begins taking part in exhibition games. On the agenda will be an open discussion concerning issues like gun violence and police brutality.