https://youtu.be/W8I-WAYKQNE?t=24
When Carmelo Anthony first got into the NBA, he was into thug life and did a lot of goofy stuff, including appearing on a “Stop Snitchin” DVD. Eventually David Stern suspended him for 15 games. When Melo complained, David Stern called him into his office to talk with him about his rap sheet. Including the phrase “I know where you live. I know where they live. I know where you close your eyes. I know where you wake up.”
Apparently Carmelo Anthony got in line after that.
It takes a certain type of dude to control a league consisting of arrogant multi-billionaires and rich and famous athletes.
Stern also told Melo something along the lines of “Do you want to be a part of that life, or do you want to be a part of the NBA?”
Say what you will about Stern, he kept the guys in check. Sooner or later one of these wannabe thugs like Ja or wife beaters like Bridges is going to go too far (or further than he already has) and actually kill someone, and when it happens there’s gonna be a whole “who could’ve seen this coming” from the league despite the signs being there for years.