Carmelo Anthony Responds After Son Kiyan Benched in Syracuse Loss

The former Orange star voiced concerns about the program, leading to speculation his son's benching was retaliation.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Kiyan Anthony, the son of former Syracuse basketball star Carmelo Anthony, did not play in the team's recent loss to Virginia. Many believe Carmelo's criticism of the program led to his son's benching, but head coach Adrian Autry says it was simply a coaching decision due to Kiyan's recent decline in production. Carmelo responded to the benching on social media, saying "a little adversity don't hurt." The incident highlights growing tensions between Syracuse parents and the coaching staff, with another parent also criticizing Autry's coaching.

Why it matters

This story touches on the complex dynamics between high-profile athletes, their children, and the college programs they are involved with. Carmelo Anthony's status as a Syracuse legend puts added pressure on the program and his son's playing time, raising questions about the balance between parental influence and a coach's independent decision-making.

The details

Kiyan Anthony, a freshman forward for the Syracuse basketball team, did not play in the team's recent loss to ACC rival Virginia. Many believe this was due to critical comments made by his father, Carmelo Anthony, about the program's struggles this season. After a loss to North Carolina, Carmelo posted "SMFH" on social media, drawing attention. When Kiyan sat out the Virginia game, it was seen by many as retaliation. However, head coach Adrian Autry said the benching was simply due to Kiyan's recent decline in production, not his father's comments.

  • Carmelo Anthony posted "SMFH" on social media after a loss to North Carolina on February 3, 2026.
  • Kiyan Anthony did not play in Syracuse's loss to Virginia on February 7, 2026.

The players

Carmelo Anthony

A former Syracuse basketball star who is now critical of the program's struggles, leading to speculation his son's benching was retaliation.

Kiyan Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's son, a freshman forward on the Syracuse basketball team who was benched for a game against Virginia.

Adrian Autry

The head coach of the Syracuse basketball team, who says Kiyan Anthony's benching was due to his recent decline in production, not his father's criticism.

Robert Betsey

The father of another Syracuse basketball player, Tyler Betsey, who criticized coach Adrian Autry's coaching and called for his son to get more playing time.

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What they’re saying

“It's no narratives about any of this stuff, man... That was just my decision that I made today.”

— Adrian Autry, Head Coach, Syracuse Basketball

“A little adversity don't hurt.”

— Carmelo Anthony

“I'm truly p—d with the way the coach is playing these guys. His sub game is bad. He has the talent. If you ask me, I blame the whole staff. They're supposed to see the issue. They are not. Never should have lost these last two games... START BETSEY, START BETSEY... Give him the green light!”

— Robert Betsey, Father of Tyler Betsey

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance between parental influence and a coach's independent decision-making in college sports. It also raises questions about how high-profile athletes' families can impact a program, and whether Syracuse's coaching staff has lost the trust of the fanbase as the team struggles.