'I'm done': Spike Lee refuses to return to New York Knicks over 'harassment' by owner
The director is one of the Knicks' most famous fans, often spotted court side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Film director and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee says he won’t attend another home game again this season after a disagreement with The Madison Square Garden Company boss James Dolan.
Lee said he was told to leave Madison Square Garden last night when he attempted to use the lift for the employee entrance.
“I’m done for the season. I’m done,” he told ESPN’s First Take.
The BlacKkKlansman director explained he has been using the employee entrance for over two decades, using it as recently as last Wednesday when a production of To Kill a Mockingbird was staged in the arena.
However, the club wanted him to instead use the celebrity entrance two blocks away, which Lee refused to do, even asking to be arrested.
“Arrest me like my brother Charles Oakley,” said Lee.
The security team said they would take him outside of the stadium and walk him all the way to his seat, but he told First Take that he didn’t trust them.
“Mr Lee you have to leave Madison Square Garden. They wanted me to leave the Garden.”
Video was circulated on social media, showing some of the confrontation between Lee and Madison Square Garden officials.
Lee says that Mr Dolan later came over and said ‘we need to talk’ – which the 62-year-old says he refused to do.
The director is one of the Knicks’ most famous fans, often spotted courtside. Lee said the team never told him the change of arrangement.
“They never said when the thing changed, so why not call me?” the director said. “When my deposit’s due, this astronomical price for Knicks tickets and I’m one day late, my phone is ringing off the hook.”
The Knicks narrowly defeated Houston Rockets 125-123 Monday night.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments