If it’s one thing Knicks fans can bet on, it’s seeing Spike Lee sitting court-side with some type of clothing or accessory to symbolize the team’s colors. However, Monday night (March 2), might’ve been the last time for the season that the famed director would grace a Madison Square Garden game.
According to ESPN‘s First Take program, Lee was reportedly told to leave the arena and re-enter through the VIP or general entrance instead of coming through the employee entrance, which Lee didn’t see an issue with since his ticket was scanned with no issue. “They never said when the thing changed, so why not call me?” Lee said, noting that not too long ago he walked through the employee entrance for a different event. “When my deposit’s due, this astronomical price for Knicks tickets and I’m one day late, my phone is ringing off the hook.”
According to TIME, Lee said he’s been entering the Garden through the employee entrance on game days for more than two decades. “I’m being harassed by James Dolan and I don’t know why,” Lee continued, naming the team’s owner.
“It’s disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama,” the statement reads. “He is welcome to come to The Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance; just not through our employee entrance, which is what he and Jim agreed to last night when they shook hands.”
Watch Lee recall the encounter below.
Director Spike Lee denied entry to MSG. Rumors are circulating that MSG CEO James Dolan didn’t want the famed director to enter. #SpikeLee #MSG pic.twitter.com/0gZVaHDXBP
— BroTalkLive (@BroTalkLivePod) March 3, 2020
New York Knicks Statement on Spike Lee pic.twitter.com/19JcvhFKO7
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) March 3, 2020