— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 9, 2020
Knicks Owner James Dolan faced backlash after his initial June 1st internal email that said, in part, “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.”
Less than 24 hours after that email was made public, Dolan sent out another internal memo on June 2.
“My point yesterday was about actions, and the importance of living your values,” Dolan’s June 2 email continued. “At Madison Square Garden, we have worked hard to build an environment of inclusion and mutual respect and those are the values we try to live every day.
“Racism is born of ignorance and it’s up to each of us to understand the person working beside you is your equal without regard to color, or any of the other qualities that make us diverse. And any injustice to one person is an injustice to everyone.”
The June 2 email said that they “vehemently condemn and reject racism against anyone, period” but did not commit to making a public statement. The Knicks’ position became murkier when the team’s official Instagram joined the social media movement, #BlackOutTuesday, on June 2. #BlackOutTuesday became an attempt to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement.
On behalf of the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden and Dolan, a company spokesperson declined ESPN’s request for comment on the change of course.
