The Knicks finally went public with a statement about George Floyd's death and racism in the United States on Tuesday after initially deciding against making a public statement, according to a leaked internal memo last week.
The Knicks official Twitter account posted the statement, which read:
"Every one of us has a role to play in creating a more just and equal society, where the is no racism, bigotry, violence or hate. We stand with all who act for positive change."
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 9, 2020The statement came on the same day a funeral was being held for Floyd – who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Last week, an internal memo from owner James Dolan explained why the organization was silent on the matter and cited how they are "not more qualified than anyone else to offer opinions on social matters."
A June 2 email the next day clarified the organization's stance that it "vehemently condemn and reject racism against anyone, period."
While the private emails were leaked, the organization still did not make any public statement as many other teams around the NBA and other sports did over the last week until Tuesday's tweet.
