James Dolan Laughs Off Rumors No Way I'm Selling The Knicks!!!
-
Breaking News
- 594 shares
James Dolan is shutting down all talk of selling the New York Knicks ... laughing at the notion and straight-up saying it's not happening.
The rumors started to swirl earlier this week ... when investment analyst Jonathan Boyar predicted Dolan would put the team up for sale after the new MSG Sphere opens up in Las Vegas next year.
An MSG rep was quick to deny the speculation ... saying there were "no plans" to sell both the Knicks and New York Rangers.
Dolan doubled down on the statement as he was leaving businessman Noah Tepperberg's birthday party at LAVO in West Hollywood ... smiling and saying, "no" after being asked about the rumors.
Some angry fans have been calling for Dolan to sell the team for years -- and chants have broken out at Madison Square Garden on numerous occasions.
As we previously reported, there have even been cases where Knicks supporters have been BANNED from MSG for telling Dolan to sell the team in person.
It's no secret -- the Knicks have struggled for a while now, but that could always change overnight with a superstar free agent signing or trade.
Hang in there, New York.
Richard Jefferson Makes Debut As NBA Referee During ... Summer League Game
-
Breaking News
- 2.1K shares
Richard Jefferson has crossed over to the other side ... the ex-NBA star made his debut as an NBA official last night during the Knicks-Blazers Summer League game.
The 17-year NBA veteran was tapped to officiate the second quarter of the contest between Portland and New York ... after the league says he attended daily Summer League Officiating Meetings in Las Vegas.
NBA Champion and 17-year NBA veteran Richard Jefferson will officiate the second quarter of tonight's New York vs. Portland game after attending daily NBA Summer League Officiating Meetings in Las Vegas.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 11, 2022 @NBAPR
🏀 @nyknicks vs. @trailblazers
⏰ 8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/wNKYxjvJYd
RJ was received pretty well throughout the night by the fans (except Knicks fans) in attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas ... getting cheers from the crowd, but they also didn't hesitate to let the NBA champ hear it when he got a call incorrect.
One Twitter user posted a video of Jefferson being booed ... after he awarded the ball to the wrong team on an errant pass.
Richard Jefferson just blew his first call as a ref, much to the delight of everyone in attendance pic.twitter.com/7Cic54Ox6Y
— Cooper Halpern (@CooperHalpern) July 12, 2022 @CooperHalpern
Ironically enough, Richard's first experience as a ref came during a game involving the Knicks -- a team he tormented on the court in his career -- something rapper Joe Budden jokingly made reference to on Twitter.
"I guess no one up top has ever heard Richard Jefferson during any Knicks discussion lol… I don't care how many officiating classes he took, he should not be the official (for a quarter) at ANY Knick game ever Foh," Budden said.
I guess no one up top has ever heard Richard Jefferson during any Knicks discussion lol… i don’t care how many officiating classes he took, he should not be the official (for a quarter) at ANY Knick game ever Foh 😭🥹
— Joe Budden (@JoeBudden) July 11, 2022 @JoeBudden
Jefferson -- who retired from the Association in 2018 -- ultimately believes the more knowledge he has about the game of basketball, the better analyst he becomes.
Why do this?
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) July 11, 2022 @Rjeff24
1. Tremendous amount of knowledge about our game that I’ve learned sitting in classes with the best refs in the world
2.I do this because not many people would dare put themselves in this position. The more info I have the more informed I am as a broadcaster 🫡
"I do this because not many people would dare put themselves in this position. The more info I have the more informed I am as a broadcaster," Jefferson said.
related articles
Knicks Great Willis Reed Legendary Game 7 Warmup Jacket ... Hitting Auction Block
-
Exclusive
- 175 shares
New York Knicks legend Willis Reed's warmup jacket from Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals -- one of the most famous moments in basketball history -- is about to hit the auction block, and is expected to sell for a huge chunk of change!
TMZ Sports has learned the infamous jacket Reed wore during the "Willis Reed Game" ... as he limped onto the Madison Square Garden court for the deciding contest against the Los Angeles Lakers will soon go to the highest bidder.
Remember, Reed tore his thigh muscle in Game 5 of the series against L.A., and missed Game 6 because of the serious injury.
With Willis out, Wilt Chamberlain went off, dominating the Knicks, and forcing a deciding game 7.
The Knicks appeared to be in big trouble ... as almost no one expected Reed to play in game 7, despite the Knicks being just 4 quarters from a title.
But, after receiving medical treatment on his torn thigh, Reed somehow hobbled onto the court at MSG ... and fans couldn't believe it.
Reed, who was severely limited during the game, scored just 4 points and collected 3 rebounds ... but it was about more than just his contribution to the box score.
Willis, now a College and Basketball Hall of Famer, inspired his teammates with his heroics, leading the Knicks to a game 7 win and an NBA championship.
Fellow Knicks legend Walt "Clyde" Frazier scored 36 points, and dished 19 assists in one of the finest game 7 performances of all-time.
Throughout the historic night, from the time he ran on the court to while he sat on the bench and watched the game, Reed wore his NYK warmup.
Now, that jacket is soon to be available at Grey Flannel Auctions ... with a starting bid of $10K.
The closing price will be significantly more money.
GFA tells us the warmup jacket has been photo-matched to ensure its authenticity. Experts examined several images of Willis in the jacket, including stills from his interview with legendary broadcaster Howard Cosell during the team's championship celebration.
The size "48" and "L" jacket has the Knicks' "NY" logo in orange and blue on the left chest ... and the words "New York" are on the back in the same colors as the front.
Reed's iconic jacket officially goes up for auction on May 16.
Best of luck!!
related articles
Knicks Mitchell Robinson My Dad Is Missing ... 'Come Home Pops'
-
Breaking News
- 1.2K shares
Mitchell Robinson's dad is missing ... and the New York Knicks center is asking everyone for help finding him.
Robinson -- who was drafted in the second round by the Knicks in 2018 -- expressed concern on social media ... saying his dad, Mitchell Robinson Jr., has been MIA since Feb 13.
"My dad is missing if you have info on his whereabouts please contact 850-436-9620," the number for the Escambia County Sheriff's Dept., Mitchell wrote.
Days later, Robinson once again took to social media ... pleading with the public to help him locate his father.
"Don't know a place the devil will hide you ... Come home pops," Robinson wrote on his Instagram story.
The Escambia County Sherriff's Office is aware of Robinson Jr.'s disappearance ... and reports that Robinson Jr. was actually last seen on Feb 11.
The sheriff's office is currently investigating the manner ... and shared a photo of Mitchell's dad, as well information surrounding his last whereabouts on its Facebook page.
Robinson has played in 53 games for the Knicks this season ... and has seen an increase in his productivity and efficiency across the board.
Robinson and the ESCO are urging anyone with information on his father's whereabouts to call 850-436-9620.
related articles
Colin Kaepernick Heckled On Way Out Of MSG ... 'You're A Bum'
A Colin Kaepernick hater heckled the former NFL star on his way out of Madison Square Garden on Wednesday -- calling the ex-QB a "bum" and saying, "You could never throw a football."
The jerk was heard loud and clear as Kaepernick left the Knicks game in New York and got into his ride ... with the man yelling twice, "You're a bum."
"Get in that car," the heckler added.
Kaepernick never acknowledged the man ... and quietly walked through a swarm of people on his way out of the NBA game and into the waiting car.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Inside of the arena, Colin clearly had a much better time -- he sat next to Spike Lee, and was also spotted chatting it up with former MLB star CC Sabathia before tip-off.
During the game, ESPN Films announced a new docuseries was in the works about Kaepernick, with the production company saying Lee had been tapped to direct it. Officials promised it would tell Kaepernick's story in a way that's never been heard before.
Kaepernick, meanwhile, has said he still wants to play in the NFL again someday ... despite being out of the league since the 2016 season.
related articles
Charles Oakley LeBron Refused To Play For Knicks ... Thanks To James Dolan
-
Breaking News
- 1.6K shares
New York fans can thank James Dolan for never landing LeBron James ... so says Knicks legend Charles Oakley, who claims the King's main reason for not signing in the Big Apple was the controversial owner.
Oakley recalled a conversation he had with Bron during the 2014 season in his new book, 'The Last Enforcer,' ... which happened after Oak met Dolan for the first time.
Oak claims the Knicks owner refused to shake hands or even look at him throughout the interaction at All-Star Weekend ... and when he relayed what happened to LeBron, the Chosen One had words of his own.
"I walked back to LeBron and said, 'This motherf***er (Dolan) wouldn't shake my hand,'" Oakley claims. "All LeBron said was, 'This is why I'm never going to New York.'"
Oakley says he was shocked by Dolan's coldness at the time ... saying, "You would have thought I did something to his wife."
"I didn't do anything to this man. What did I ever say that was so bad that he would ignore me like that? I wondered. Man, I wanted to hit him in the head."
Of course, Oakley and LeBron have been good friends for quite some time ... so it's no surprise the 4-time champ would have the Cleveland native's back in the feud.
Tension between Dolan and Oakley reached a boiling point during an incident at Madison Square Garden in 2017, when Oak was hauled out of the arena and arrested by NYPD for getting physical with security staffers.
Oakley -- who spent 10 seasons with the Knicks -- was banned from the Garden (at the behest of Dolan) ... and while the ban was lifted, he has not yet returned to the Mecca.
As for LeBron, he eventually returned to the Cavaliers instead of joining the Knicks ... and won a championship for the city of Cleveland in 2016.
related articles
Kenny Smith Thibs Doesn't Know How To Use Kemba ... He's a Ferrari!!!
-
Exclusive
- 3.1K shares
Kemba Walker getting benched isn't his problem, it's his coach's ... so says Kenny "The Jet" Smith, who tells TMZ Sports the guard is a Ferrari and Tom Thibodeau doesn't know how to drive it.
The 31-year-old hooper was removed from the Knicks rotation earlier this week ... as he's been averaging career lows in almost every major category this season.
Once backup Alec Burks came in and balled out with 23 points against the Hawks on Saturday, Thibs decided to pull Walker out of the starting lineup AND the rotation altogether.
We spoke with Smith about Kemba's benching, considering he signed a 2-year, $20 million deal this past offseason ... and he says this is not a testament to Walker's skills.
"The guy's a great offensive player and you just don't know how to use him," Smith told us at LAX. "That's really what you're saying. You're not saying that he can't play."
Smith says Thibs just flat-out doesn't know how to use the baller ... and can be of use for a team that knows what to do with his talents.
"It's the coach and the organization just not understanding what value of a guy like this, what they paid for."
To put it in simpler terms, Smith has an analogy.
"You can have a Ferrari, but you drive it 30 miles an hour ... what's the use?!"
related articles
Julius Randle Fined $15,000 For Throwing Ball In Stands
-
Breaking News
- 33 shares
Knicks star Julius Randle was just slapped with a $15K fine for tossing the basketball into the stands, in celebration, after NY downed the rivals Boston Celtics in a double-OT thriller.
The game went down Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden ... and Randle played out of his mind, dropping 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
As the clock wound down on the nail-biter of a game, Randle tossed the ball from one end of the court, high into the air, and into the stands past the opposing basket.
Unfortunately, the NBA wasn't in the mood to celebrate ... and they hit Julius with a $15K fine.
"New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has been fined $15,000 for throwing the game ball into the spectator stands," Byron Spruell, President of League Operations announced on Thursday.
But, don't cry too much for JR ... he scored a 4-year, $117 million extension this off-season, meaning he makes over $250K every game.
Still ... lighten up, NBA.
related articles
Derrick Rose Proposes to GF With Massive Ring ... At MSG!!!
Derrick Rose just secured the first win at Madison Square Garden this season ... 'cause the hooper proposed to his girlfriend on the court -- and she said, "YES!!"
The Knicks guard shared the awesome news Tuesday night ... posting a photo of him and 26-year-old Alaina Anderson wining and dining privately at half court.
"Just got engaged in MSG nothing major!" Anderson said on IG. "A WIFE!!!! I love you!!!! 😍😍😍 MRS ROSE TO YALL LOL"
And, you can't help but notice the absolutely huge diamond ring on Alaina's ring finger!!
Alaina says she wasn't expecting it, even with the private dinner at MSG -- 'cause Rose gave her a promise ring the day before saying, "hopefully one day I can get you the real thing."
Very sneaky, D Rose!!
Rose wrote a poem to his future wife ... saying, "Believe the words that I will have your back and love u forever. When I FIRST saw you I told Ryan that we were gon be together."
"I will always love you becuz you go above and beyond. We built a beautiful family and a unbreakable bond. Thank you Queen."
The lovely couple has reportedly been together since his Chicago Bulls days in 2016 ... and welcomed their daughter, Layla, in 2018 and son, London, in 2019.
Congrats!!
related articles
Charles Oakley Nets Can Still Win Championship ... Despite Kyrie Vax Drama
-
Exclusive
- 47 shares
The Brooklyn Nets are poised to win an NBA championship with or without Kyrie Irving this season ... so says Charles Oakley, who tells TMZ Sports the star's availability won't derail the team's title hopes.
Of course, Irving -- who is not vaccinated -- could miss more than half of the season due to COVID vaccine mandates in NYC and California ... which has folks like Shaq saying the Nets should get rid of him.
Oakley doesn't think KI's absence will be that big of a deal, though ... after all, it helps they still have Kevin Durant and James Harden.
"I think they can still win it with him playing this way," Oakley said on TMZ Live this week.
"You still have James Harden and KD -- 2 of the top 5 best players in the league."
Oakley -- who's coming out with his own cooking show, "Chopping It Up with Oakley," added, "They wasn't healthy last year, so you think if James Harden comes back healthy this year with KD healthy, they still can win it even if Kyrie play only half of the season."
Besides missing playing time, KI is gonna lose a TON of money -- $380k per game!
So, we asked the NY Knicks legend if he was on the Nets would he talk to the point guard about his decision ... he says he would but at the end of the day -- "he's a grown man."
"He knows he losing 300, 400 thousand a game and it's not about the money. We see that."
"He believe what he believe in."
No word if Irving will take the vax ... but he did say last week, after shutting down reporter's COVID questions at Nets Media Day, that "everything will be released at a due date."
related articles
ATL Hawks' Clint Capela Unloads WWE-Style Rant On Knicks ... You're Fake Tough!!!
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela just went HAM on the New York Knicks ... calling out the players for trying to "play tough" and guaranteeing to boot them from the playoffs!!!
The Knicks vs. Hawks series has been chippy and rough through 4 games to say the least ... and when the 27-year-old baller was asked about the Knicks playing physical, Capela unloaded.
"They try to play tough, push our guys around and talk s***, but we can do that, too," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"We show them as soon as they came back here. We can push guys around, too. We can talk s*** as well, so whatchu gonna do about it? -- and we can get a win with it."
Capela insists the Knicks' style of play hasn't posed a serious threat ... and guarantees a victory in Game 5 to send the Knicks packing on Wednesday.
"And now we’re coming to your home to win this game again and send you on vacation."
DAMN, CLINT!!! Tell us how you really feel!!!
Frustration boils over for the Knicks as Julius Randle shoves Danilo Gallinari 😳
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 30, 2021 @SInow
(via @SportsCenter)pic.twitter.com/R76BQ5lt2l
There's more ... Clint had words for Knicks star Julius Randle shoving Danilo Gallinari during Game 4 as "retaliation" for hitting Reggie Bullock's neck on the previous possession.
"You’re trying to look physical, but it’s not working. It’s the last solution," he added.
"You don’t get your star player making dirty plays. Of course, that was a dirty play, retaliation or not … we all can shove someone. You can play hard but within the game."
As for the Knicks ... they're not taking the bait.
Randle responded shortly after, saying, "Why would I give a hell what Clint Capela has to say?"
Derrick Rose added ... "I’m 32 years old. I’ve never talked s*** like that in my life."
"I’m too old for that."
Knicks and Hawks tip-off at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Getcha popcorn ready.
As for Capela ... Vince McMahon's gotta hit this guy up after the NBA!!!
related articles
Trae Young Knicks Fan Spits On ATL Star ... Banned Indefinitely, Cops Involved
-
Breaking News
- 8.5K shares
11:29 AM PT -- Young will NOT be pressing charges over the incident ... his agent told ESPN, "We appreciate the Garden's response to the incident and Trae's focus remains on his teammates and Game 3."
The NY Knicks have determined an idiot fan SPIT on Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young during Wednesday night's game at MSG ... and now the mouthy fan has been banned indefinitely.
It all went down with around 8 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the Knicks vs. Hawks playoff game ... when Young was trying to inbound.
Video footage shows someone sitting behind 50 Cent appear to spit at Young -- leading Young to comment after the game, "Damn ... crazy!"
Damn... Crazy ! @50cent y’all good?!
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 27, 2021 @TheTraeYoung
😂😂😂 https://t.co/p8jSbwyozT
Young also asked 50 Cent if he was "good" following the incident.
The NY Knicks were disturbed by the footage and launched an investigation to see if the fan had spit at Young intentionally -- and now, they have detrained it was, in fact, on purpose.
"We investigated the matter and determined that this patron, who is not a season ticket holder, did indeed spit on Trae Young," the team announced Thursday.
"And for that reason, [the fan] is now banned from The Garden indefinitely."
"We apologize to Trae and the entire Atlanta Hawks organization for this fan's behavior. This was completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our venue."
The team notes cops are now involved saying -- "We have turned the information over to the appropriate authorities."
In theory, the fan could be prosecuted if officials decide to pursue a case against him.
So far, the fan has not been publicly identified.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 10:09 AM PT
related articles
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Shades The Hell Out Of Trae Young ... 'Stop Hunting For Fouls'
Just when you thought the trash talk in the Hawks vs. Knicks series couldn't get any better ... here's NYC mayor Bill de Blasio throwing more fuel on the fire, shading the hell out of Trae Young!!
The 60-year-old -- rockin' a NY Knicks ball cap -- took time out of his daily press briefing Tuesday to take shots at the Atlanta star ... and it was aggressive!
The mayor accused Young of crying for calls ... and told him to straight-up stop.
"Stop hunting for fouls, Trae," de Blasio said. "I want to quote Steve Nash -- great player, great coach -- he says, ‘That’s not basketball.'"
de Blasio continued, "Trae, that hawk's not going to fly in New York City. Come on. Play the game the right way."
TRAE YOUNG SHUT THE GARDEN UP AFTER “FU” chants during game. pic.twitter.com/9ikFZO5SMO
— 𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒 (@HoopMixOnly) May 24, 2021 @HoopMixOnly
Of course, Trae ripped the soul out of the Knicks during the first game of their playoff series on Sunday ... hitting a game-winning floater and talking all kinds of smack to the crowd at Madison Square Garden afterward.
Even Trae's Dad got involved ... puffing out his chest and celebrating BIG-TIME after the shot.
Trae Young’s dad was so proud of his son after his game-winner 🙌
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 24, 2021 @SportsCenter
(via @OmarESPN) pic.twitter.com/VcgGkY4UaA
NY fans -- who chanted "F*** Trae Young" throughout the game -- have since fired away all over social media ... and it's all getting REALLY good.
Clearly, de Blasio thinks his Knicks can back up all the talk, though ... he continued to Trae during his rant Tuesday, "I think the Knicks are going to teach you a lesson."
Game 2 tips off Wednesday night at MSG ... start buttering that popcorn.
related articles
Kendall Jenner Cheers On BF Devin Booker ... At Knicks Vs. Suns Game
-
Breaking News
- 88 shares
The Kendall Jenner-Devin Booker relationship is still clearly going strong ... the "KUWTK" star hit up MSG to watch her man vs. the Knicks on Monday -- and the dude BALLED OUT for her!!
Kendall and some friends got box seats for the Suns game in New York ... and D Book certainly put on a show for them.
The 24-year-old NBA star scored 33 points in 41 minutes ... and led Phoenix to a 118-110 come-from-behind victory.
And, Kendall was clearly impressed ... cameras caught her smiling and giggling throughout the evening!!
The two began to get cozy about a year ago, when they were spotted on a road trip to Sedona ... and they've seemed to grow into quite the couple over the past 12 months.
They've been seen out on dates plenty of times ... with Kendall even posting a sappy pic of the duo for Valentine's Day last February.
As for any sort of "Kardashian Curse," there clearly ain't one here ... Devin is having a hell of a season with Kendall by his side, averaging 25.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game!!
Young love ... ain't it great?!
related articles
NBA's Tyler Herro Gifts Jack Harlow Game-Worn Jersey Thanks For The Song, Bro!!!
-
Breaking News
- 59 shares
You name a song after Tyler Herro, you get a Tyler Herro game-worn jersey!!
That's exactly what happened to Jack Harlow Monday night -- the rapper linked up with the Miami Heat star after they took on the Knicks ... and was gifted Herro's sweaty threads right off his back.
Of course, Harlow gave the 21-year-old sharp-shooter the ultimate shoutout in October 2020 with his single titled -- you guessed it -- "Tyler Herro."
In fact, Herro made a guest appearance in the music vid ... when Harlow says, "My homeboy, Tyler, he play in South Beach. He told me this summer he gon' fix my jumper."
Harlow -- who's fresh off performing the hit track on "Saturday Night Live" this past weekend -- decided to stay in town a few extra days to watch his buddy play at MSG ... all while mingling a bit more with 'SNL' star Pete Davidson.
Harlow and Herro got to chat after the game ... and posed for a pic on the court while Harlow held up his new gift.
BTW, Harlow picked a solid game to attend -- Herro racked up 18 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in the 98-88 win for the Heat.
No word on whether Herro ever helped Harlow with his jumper ... but the rapper DID team up with Quavo to beat Lil Baby and 2 Chainz in a celeb game during All-Star weekend.
Next up, "Tyler Herro, Part 2??"
related articles
Bobby Shmurda Gets VIP Treatment at Nets Game ... Jersey from James Harden!
-
Breaking News
- 139 shares
Life on the outside is proving to be GOOOOOD for Bobby Shmurda -- the formerly incarcerated rapper got the VIP treatment at the Brooklyn Nets game on Monday ... and a signed jersey from superstar James Harden!
The 26-year-old had been in custody since December 2014 after he was charged with conspiracy to murder and other gun charges.
In 2016, Shmurda copped a plea deal to conspiracy to possess weapons and possession of a weapon -- and was sentenced to 7 years in prison followed by 5 years probation.
He was released in February 2021 and immediately embraced by rap stars like Quavo. He also had a big presence during NBA All-Star Weekend.
And, the celebration continued Monday night at Barclay's Center where Shmurda enjoyed a VIP suite to watch the Nets take on the NY Knicks.
After Brooklyn secured the W, James Harden took off his game-worn jersey and presented it to Shmurda -- along with a personal message and signature on the threads.
Shmurda was so fired up about the gift, he went right to the media and showed it off while sporting that sick new gold chain he recently scooped up.
Bottom line ... Shmurda is back to living like a true rockstar. The next question -- when will he get back in the studio and release another album???