“I’m calling for all my fellow ATHLETES to step up and take charge. Go to your local officials, leaders, congressman, assemblymen/assemblywoman and demand change.” Back in 2016, Carmelo Anthony added a post on Instagram with a clear message for fellow athletes. This post is still up, meaning the Syracuse legend still endorses this idea. But one thing he is not supporting is Stephen A. Smith’s plan for 2028.

“That’s not a game that he want to play in,” said Melo. “Like I commend him though for even thinking that for reaching for that goal, that’s a high goal, but nah, that’s not a lane that you want to play in. I don’t, you have to be ready for that lane.” Carmelo Anthony, on his podcast, made it very clear that he was not endorsing Stephen A Smith’s 2028 presidential campaign. In fact, the Knicks legend had another candidate in mind.

“I don’t tag along with politicians, but with that being said, Wes Moore should be the next President of the United States.” First, Carmelo Anthony signified that this was no endorsement. But if there is somebody deserving, according to him, it should be the current Governor of Maryland. Melo detailed other qualities that made Moore a better candidate. “Good brother, intelligent, smart, military background, understands people, understand business,” said Anthony on 7PM in Brooklyn.

To close it out, the 10x All-Star once again clarified he respects the decision if Smith wants to take that route. “I get the game. I respect that right. But we talking about brothers who can actually really do it. Wes Moore is one of those guys who can do it.” Even though Carmelo Anthony was gentle with his take, Charles Barkley was furious even at the mere thought of voting for Stephen A. Smith.

Unlike Carmelo Anthony’s tone, Charles Barkley and another Suns’ superstar criticized ESPN analyst’s future move

Smith, who recently signed a $100 million contract with ESPN, insists he’s happy in his current role. Still, he acknowledged that the current political landscape needs to change. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it,” Smith’s statement indicates other influential people want this too. But strike Charles Barkley off that list.

“Calm down, Stephen A.—and Stephen A. is one of my friends,” Barkley told Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. “C’mon, man. Stop it. C’mon. It had to start out as a joke and he started taking it serious. C’mon, man. All I would say is ‘knock it off.’ And that’s the best way to phrase it.” If there are still doubts if the Suns’ legend will cast the vote for ESPN analyst, the answer is “No,” Barkley said. “Hard no.” Another person who took shots at Smith was Kevin Durant.

“Steve wants to run for president, do you think he really paid attention to a struggling team?” Durant posted on his X account, referring to the Suns, and adding, “That’s called propaganda.” KD and Smith have beefed in the past, and the Suns’ superstar once again took shots after Smith claimed that the future Hall of Famer “is not a leader.” The tweet already has over 1.1 million views. Although it’s not clear that SAS would officially run for office, if he does, three people won’t be backing him: KD, Charles Barkley, and Carmelo Anthony for sure.