New York Knicks owner James Dolan has lobbied harsh criticism of Zohran Mamdani. In a statement sent by Madison Square Garden Sports early Wednesday, the statement blasted Mamdani's watch party permit for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
“Mayor Mamdani's ‘granting’ of a watch party permit is disingenuous at best. It came with multiple conditions, including not allowing more than 1,000 spectators and demanding that they all must have a ticket. But more important is the Mayor's plan to freeze out fans from celebrating outside Madison Square Garden, which will turn the streets around MSG into a police state. The Knicks’ victories are for all New Yorkers.We wish everyone could see the games live. Watch parties and public celebrations are a way for every Knicks fan to enjoy this special time. These fans want to celebrate together. They want to celebrate at the Mecca of basketball. This is not about watch parties, it’s about celebrating wins,” the statement read
Dolan then did an interview on WFAN, further sharpening his criticism against Mamdani. He accused the New York mayor of not being a Knicks fan and lambasted the watch party restrictions.
Article Continues Below
“This is not about a watch party….this is about celebrating the Knicks at MSG, at the Mecca of Basketball. This is what the Mayor’s Office and the Commissioner’s Office is trying to kill…I’m not sure why they don’t want the celebration.”
Dolan also insinuated that Mamdani and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch don't have faith in the police department.
“I don’t think that they have faith in their own police force. We do. They know what they’re doing. The Mayor’s Office and the Commissioner don’t have the experience…like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches coming out the sides.”
New York Knicks owner James Dolan has lobbied harsh criticism of Zohran Mamdani. In a statement sent by Madison Square Garden Sports early Wednesday, the statement blasted Mamdani's watch party permit for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. “Mayor Mamdani's ‘granting’ of a watch party permit is disingenuous at best.