Most NBA organizations were quick to publish public responses, but the MSGC only released a statement Tuesday - 15 days after Floyd's death - which was posted to the social media accounts of the Knicks, along with those of the New York Rangers, the Rockettes dance troupe, and the official MSGC social media feeds.
The statement reads as follows: "Each of us has a role to play in creating a more just and equal society, where there is no racism, bigotry, violence or hatred. We stand in solidarity of all those who act for positive change. "
However, the Knicks faced a backlash, due to the time it took for a statement to be made public and the omission of any reference to Black Lives Matter.
A prominent Knicks fan and comedian Desus Nice retweeted the statement with the comment: "DEFUND THE KNICKS".
Sports talk show host Rich Eisen condemned the response as "complete and utter shame".
The Knicks' tweet publishing the statement received more than a thousand responses, almost all of which answered negatively. The MSGC did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.
"Turbulent weather"
Dolan, who oversees the daily operations of the New York Liberty Knicks, Rangers and WNBA team, had previously been criticized for an internal email he sent to MSGC staff on June 1 explaining why the company had not issued a public statement. the day after Floyd's death.
In the email, obtained by ESPN, Dolan writes: "We know that some of you have asked if our company is going to make a public statement about the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
"I want you to know, I realize the importance of this issue. Therefore, I want you to understand our internal position.
"This is a turbulent time in our country. The coronavirus and civil unrest have wreaked havoc on our way of life. We at Madison Square Garden defend our values of respect and peace at work. We will always do so.
"However, as a sports and entertainment company, we are no better qualified than anyone else to give our opinion on social issues."
Less than 24 hours later, Dolan sent a follow-up email to staff condemning "racism against anyone".
He said: "Yesterday, I made a sincere effort to give my point of view on a very difficult question, which has no easy answers.
"I know how important this subject is to many, and I don't want there to be any confusion as to my position as an individual or as a society. So let's be clear: we condemn and reject with vehement racism against anyone, period. "
At the time of this posting, only the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs had not yet spoken publicly.
However, on June 3, the Texas organization posted a series of videos on Twitter where Spurs members - including coach Gregg Popovich, who has a strong case for defending progressive issues, including race - and the wider American community have shared stories of the impact of racism on society.
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