The tattoo of Puerto Rico on his right hand is not just for symbolic purposes. Although he lost his father at the age of 2, Carmelo Anthony has kept in touch with his roots strongly since 2002. With the help of his foundation, he has given back to his community. The 10x All-Star also bought stakes in a professional soccer team as a sign of being closer to home. And today, Melo was part of a trial where he testified against the United States Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer.

“I had an opportunity to revitalize the island, bring sports to the island. This was the route I chose to take to bring something back to my island.” The NCAA champion purchased Puerto Rico FC in the North American Soccer League in 2015. The NASL has accused the USSF and MLS of providing fair opportunities. By denying them Division I and then Division II accreditation in a $500m American soccer trial. Being an owner, Melo described what it was like having the team for the entire community.

“We couldn’t go back to the island.” Also, the USSF denied NASL’s application for Division II sanctioning for the 2018 season. Which led to the league shutting down its operations. “It was just destroyed,” Melo stated the condition of his Puerto Rico FC. “The fact that we didn’t get the sanctions – that hurt us too.”

“That was the only team we knew. And that (team) was in the NASL,” via The Athletic. “I saw happiness, joy. That’s when I knew I had something that was getting good.” The good things didn’t last long as per Carmelo Anthony after a natural disaster struck the Island. After Hurricane Maria in September 2017, that not only left the team without a stadium to play in but caused personal damage too.

As many staff and players were without their homes, which Carmelo Anthony stated in the trial as per Melanie Anzidei of The Athletic. What caused the issue as per the former Knicks legend was the ability to play in front of their fans. It seems like the former forward is protecting his roots and investments through this trial. But did you know he had a chance to represent Puerto Rico?

Carmelo Anthony almost switched his allegiance

Even before representing Syracuse, Melo visited Puerto Rico and had the chance to also play for a team closer to his father’s roots. Earlier this year, former Heat star Carlos Arroyo explained how the negation broke down. “Melo went to Puerto Rico before he went to college. Back then, you could play pro and still go to school and play in the NCAA. I think he went and tried out for a team and from what I heard, they offer him like $200 a game or something.”

However, the money could have been a factor that led to Carmelo Anthony declining the offer. “He was in high school though. He declined it. I think that rubbed him the wrong way. I could be wrong. That’s something you have to ask him.” The current Puerto Rico’s national team GM, Arroyo described on The OGs podcast.

Even though he would never wear the jersey of Puerto Rico, that hasn’t stopped him from helping them. Back in September, Melo received an award for his constant work in representing the Islands.