Denver's Anthony and Former Business Partner on Rocky Terms, Melo Files Lawsuit

Fresh off the pages of NBA.com, Carmelo Anthony is suing his former business manager, alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of the Denver Nuggets star's assets.

Melo filed the lawsuit that claims Larry W. Harmon diverted $1.75 million of Anthony's funds, without his consent or knowledge, to a company owned privately by Harmon and his business associates.

A further $265,500 was found to have been invested in third parties, again without Anthony's knowledge or consent between 2005 and 2008, according to the lawsuit, which seeks recovery of the approximately $2 million, plus punitive damages.

"I intend to aggressively represent Carmelo Anthony," his Beverly Hills-based attorney, Robert W. Hirsh, told The Associated Press. "The evidence which I have reviewed strongly suggests that Carmelo Anthony's former business manager plundered his assets. It is reprehensible that professional athletes are so often victimized."

Harmon refused to speak with the press and release a statement, however he did say "I guess I'll just have to wait and see what he alleges".

The lost assets were discovered by Anthony's new business associates after he ended his professional relationship with Harmon. 

The lawsuit alleges that significant documents were missing when Harmon transferred Anthony's records to his new business manager.

"Further, portions of the books and records are miscoded in a deliberate attempt to hide moneys converted by defendants," according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit also contends that Harmon and the other defendants failed to produce any documents requested by Anthony's lawyer to explain the transfers of Anthony's money that are in question.

Anthony was the third selection in the 2003 NBA draft after leading Syracuse to the national title as a freshman. In 2008, he led the Nuggets to their best season in 24 years after helping the U.S. team win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Anthony is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $80 million contract extension he signed with Denver in 2006.