James Dolan & MSG “Vehemently Condemn and Reject Racism”

New York Knicks owner James Dolan has clarified an internal email he sent to MSG employees, which ESPN contained.

James Dolan sent a memo to Madison Square Garden staff on Monday. The email said that MSG is “not more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters.”

Since it was obtained by the media, James Dolan has clarified his position. In a follow up memo 24 hours later, he said that MSG “vehemently condemns and rejects racism”. 

The United states is reeling from the murder of black man George Floyd, who lost his life on May 25. Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes until he could no longer breathe.

Want $250 to bet on NBA futures?

Sign up now!

So far, the Knicks as well as the Spurs have not put out statements. Even the Houston Rockets, who should be averse to social issues after their Chinese furore last summer, have spoken out.

Dolan’s initial email gave the impression that he didn’t want his organization to speak out. However, he made his position clear in his follow up.

“My point yesterday was about actions, and the importance of living your values,” Dolan’s Tuesday email said. 

“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.”

Read: Trae Young – It’s Important To Stick Together

“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.

“This is how we at MSG fight racism. We start with ourselves, and through our actions, we define who we are. That is how we can be an example to the wider world. That was the point of my message yesterday.

“I am proud of the environment you have created here. I know that this is a difficult time, and that we will always need to communicate with one another on hard issues. I will continue to do as much as I can to do as much as I can to help make our community even better. I know you will also.”