Amar'e blames New York media for twisting words, creating Melo schism

Amar'e Stoudemire has a familiar scapegoat for a recent mini-controversy involving him and former New York Knicks teammate Carmelo Anthony.

Stoudemire, who played alongside Anthony in New York for parts of five seasons, was quoted by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk on Sunday as saying "everyone wasn't a fan" of Jeremy Lin "being the new star" of the Knicks during the height of Linsanity in 2012.

The quote was taken by many as a reference to Anthony, who was out with an injury during Lin's most electrifying stretch that season. Anthony denied feeling any such resentment about Lin's popularity, and said he "highly doubt(s)" Stoudemire was referring to him.

Stoudemire, who now plies his trade for the Miami Heat, tried to clear the air to that effect on Tuesday. In an Instagram post, he placed the blame for the misunderstanding on the New York media, who he accused of intentionally sowing seeds of discord.

Anthony also used his current situation to deflect any notion that he'd ever begrudge a teammate's success.

"If that was the case, then I'd be upset right now with (Kristaps Porzingis)," he said.