Greg Anthony’s exile from broadcasting following a January solicitation arrest is over. According to SI’s Richard Deitsch, Anthony has been reinstated by Turner Sports and will be working as an NBA analyst on NBA TV for Summer League games this week.

As for Anthony’s long-term future, it’s still up in the air. Via SI…

Turner Sports would not elaborate on whether this meant Anthony is back in the fold for the longterm, but it is clearly an entrée to getting reps again as an NBA studio or game analyst. Spokespeople for CBS Sports and Turner Sports said that they would decide together if Anthony would work the NCAA tournament again. As of this writing, no such decision has been reached. Anthony declined to comment beyond a statement he released to Sports Illustrated via Turner Sports.

“I’d like to thank my family for their continued support,” Anthony said. “I’m looking forward to returning to my role as a basketball analyst and I’m grateful to Turner Sports and the NBA for this opportunity.

In February, Anthony reached a plea deal that would see the charges dropped if he completed 32 hours of community service. TMZ reported in June that he had completed the community service requirements, and the case was dismissed.

Most everyone deserves a second chance, and while Anthony’s criminal situation was quite embarrassing, I don’t think it’s something that should have completely ended his broadcasting career. Getting his foot back in the door by calling Summer League games on NBA TV is the ideal situation for Anthony as he tries to work his way up the broadcasting ladder and tries to regain his top spot at CBS and Turner.

[Sports Illustrated]

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.