By Andrew Rosario
The continued vitriol that is still directed from New York Knicks fans towards owner James Dolan does not appear to be waning any time. It reached its peak a couple of years ago when Dolan treated beloved ex-Charles Oakley having him forcibly removed from his seat at the start of a game. Dolan’s attack and character assassination on Oakley exposed him as someone always looking to place the blame on the victim. Fast forward to this past month, Dolan was at it again. This time the target was long time and number fan Spike Lee who was asked to leave the Garden after entering though the employees entrance. Something Lee has done for years with no issue. Lee did not leave and re-enter through another entrance challenging security to arrest him. Dolan did approach Lee at halftime but the look on his face and body language told the story.
Meanwhile, with the NBA shut down along with all other events at the Garden, Beacon Theater, Radio City as hundreds of staff from concessions, ticket takers, porters, security who rely on events to support their families, suddenly are without income. The world of Dolan remained silent when asked if there were plans to help the employees.
Meanwhile, other organizations, lead by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stepped up and was soon followed not only by other owners but players as well. 29 NBA teams vowed to pay the salary of game day employees. Stephen Curry, Zion Williamson and Kevin Love jumped on board as well donating to local charities.
We’ll never know what prompted James Dolan to come on board. Perhaps he had a change of heart after revealing he tested positive for Covid-19. Last week, MSG announced plans to establish a relief fund that will provide financial assistance to employees through at least May 3rd. Said union president James Claffey who oversees more than 4,000 workers, “l knew they would do the right thing and they did. It’s a very generous offer. It wasn’t negotiated. They just gave it.”
James Dolan may have been late to the party but at least he showed up. It does not erase the long track record of poor personnel decisions on and off the court. The move to assist his employees, who are the life blood of his organization was a no-brainer. For the employees, the news could not have come at a better time.
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