New York Knicks’ Owner Responds as Players and Employees Furious Over No Public Statement Against Racial Discrimination

Reports suggest that players and employees in the New York Knicks organization are furious over the team not making any public statement over the death of George Floyd. Since the unfortunate incident, many from the NBA community have raised their voice against racial discrimination. All NBA teams, except the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, released an official statement over the incident. This, apparently, seems to have made those within the Knicks organization furious.

New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan has an explanation

Knicks owner Jim Dolan, reacting to the situation, sent an e-mail explaining his team’s non-involvement.

“We know that some of you have asked about whether our company is going to make a public statement about the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer,” Dolan wrote in the email obtained from Pablo S. Torre of ESPN. “I want you to know, I realize the importance of this issue. Therefore, I want you to understand our internal position.”

While Dolan admitted that these were tough times, he felt it was more important that they, as an organization, operate well. He said Madison Square has always stood by its values and has been a “respectful and peaceful workplace.”

“As companies in the business of sports and entertainment, however, we are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters,” he further wrote in the e-mail. “What’s important is how we operate. Our companies are committed to upholding our values, which include creating a respectful workplace for all, and that will never change. What we say to each other matters. How we treat each other matters. And that’s what will get us through this difficult time.”

While most teams have released a public statement, a few players have also tried to stand up to the cause. LeBron James took to social media to express himself since the death of Floyd. Former NBA player Stephen Jackson, a friend of Floyd, has taken part in a rally remembering his friend. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns also took part in the rally.

Meanwhile, Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown led a protest where he drove for 15 hours from Boston to Atlanta.