Carmelo Anthony. Image via: Jean Catuffe/ Getty Images
Carmelo Anthony recently opened up about the unexpected discipline handed down by coach Larry Brown just before the 2004 Olympics. It was indeed a stunning revelation that pulls back the curtain on one of Team USA’s most talked-about Olympic moments.
Speaking candidly on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Anthony explained how LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Amar’e Stoudemire were suspended over something as bizarre as showing up a little early, not late (point to be noted), to a scheduled team meeting.
Carmelo Anthony revealed why Larry Brown suspended LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Amar’e Stoudemire before the 2004 Olympics
Carmelo Anthony candidly recalls the chaotic environment leading up to the 2004 Athens Olympics. The NBA icon described how things got real when, before a scrimmage against Puerto Rico in Jacksonville, three of the team’s biggest names were told they wouldn’t be playing.“The minute I knew what type of environment that was going to be was when they got suspended in Florida,” Anthony said. “Say there’s a meeting at 2:00 p.m. Okay. You get there at 1:57. The meeting starts at 1:55, right? Now you get suspended.”
Why Larry Brown Suspended Lebron James & Amar’e Stoudemire
Despite arriving before the scheduled meeting time, the early start and razor-thin expectations created confusion. According to Anthony, this wasn’t just about a timing mistake; rather, it was a power play to assert control over a team packed with big personalities and future legends.
Brown, who had spent years managing the volatile but brilliant Allen Iverson in Philadelphia, appeared to have reached his limit. As Anthony explained, “Larry don’t want to deal with that [expletive] with Allen no more. He just dealt with it for six years.” So when Iverson, along with the young and rising Amar’e Stoudemire and LeBron James, were present just a few minutes before the set time, Brown chose to make an example of them.“It wasn’t a casualty of war. It was setting the tone,” Melo said. “AI, you the guy… you leading Amari who’s a young guy… you also leading LeBron James. I got to set the tone and let LeBron know that’s not allowed.”For many, it seemed petty at first, but Anthony realized it was all about asserting leadership and making sure the rookies, especially LeBron, weren’t influenced the wrong way.Even after the suspension, the “Young Guns,” as the crowd eventually called them, made a mark overseas. “We get to Turkey… the crowd is yelling Young Guns in the crowd,” Carmelo remembered proudly.Also Read: LeBron James is not a fan of Bronny and Bryce James’ basketball upbringing as he recalled his own journey to become an NBA legendArgentina claimed the Championship in the men’s basketball tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, while the United States came in third place.
