Carmelo Anthony Explains How He Ended Up Making That Face in Iconic Rihanna Meme
On Thursday’s episode of 7pm in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony, the now-retired NBA superstar reflected on the image that may well go down as his greatest off-the-court legacy—the infamous photo of him and Rihanna.
The photo, originally taken in 2014, shows a sharply dressed Melo making eyes at Rihanna as she works the camera. An aggressive flash from the camera adds an unmistakably “early 2010s” aura to the frame.
In the decade since it was originally taken, Anthony’s face in the photo has become synonymous with the phrase “ready to risk it all,” because, well, that’s how the internet works.
Speaking on his show Thursday, Anthony insisted that the photo was the result of a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events.
“I’m going to tell you the real story,” Melo told his cohosts as they fought back laughter.
“It was after the Met [Gala]. I think the afterparty was at Darby or Up&Down. We’re already in there, having a good time. Every time a celebrity comes in, the cameras go crazy with flashes,” Melo explained. “It’s small in there, so you see all the flashes. It’s commotion when you walk in there.
“I finally walk in there, get through the cameras and sit down. I found my comfort zone, sitting down, trying to be low. Rih walks in, cameras go crazy. All you see is white flashes. And there’s only one way to go—there’s only one area to go to. And I’m like, ‘Please don’t come over here.’”
Melo didn’t get his wish. Rihanna approached, and just as he looked up to survey the scene, the flashes went off yet again.
In conclusion, Anthony insists that he was not preparing to “risk it all,” quite the contrary. While his explanation is now on the record, for those that only see the image, it will continue to speak for itself for quite some time.
“Enjoy That One”— Austin Reaves Shuts Down Social Media Trolls With His Alley-Oop Assist To LeBron James Against Brooklyn Nets
Austin Reaves and LeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 102-101 win against the Brooklyn Nets. Not only did Reaves have a career-best game, but he also silenced critics with a key alley-oop assist to LeBron James in the closing moments of the match.
With the Lakers holding a narrow 95-100 lead, Reaves made a perfect pass to James, who took full advantage and scored the basket to give the Lakers their final 102 points. It was a crucial play, and one that proved the trust and chemistry between the two players.
After the game, Reaves reflected on the assist. He addressed the online criticism that had followed his previous failed alley-oop assist to the 40-year-old. “Well, I’ve seen some people trolling online laughter Last game the first lob. I tried to throw him. They said he’s 40, and I forgot that, so ‘Y’all enjoy that one,’” Reaves said.
“He’s 40. He can go get it still, so I’m gonna continue to throw it up. I don’t even know if it was that good of a pass. He went, got it, dunked it,” he added.
LeBron James Praises Austin Reaves After Stellar Performance In Lakers’ Win
After a thrilling 102-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James had nothing but praise for his teammate Austin Reaves as he delivered an exceptional performance in the game. James expressed how proud he was of Reaves’ growth and opportunity.
