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Knicks owner accuses lifelong fan of being an ‘alcoholic,’ tells him to ‘start rooting for the Nets’

Portland Trail Blazers v New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 14: Executive Chairman of Madison Square Garden & NBA Governor, James L. Dolan speaks to the media at a press conference to announce Mike Woodson as the interim head coach of the New York Knicks following the resignation of Mike D’Antoni at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

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It’s no secret that the Knicks are currently in the midst of their worst season in franchise history and have been dismal overall for far too long.

New York has made it to the second round of the playoffs just once in the last 15 years and didn’t make it to the postseason at all in nine of those campaigns.

One lifelong fan has been through it all with this team for more than 60 years and decided to drop Knicks owner James Dolan a line to let him know just how he felt.

The surprise came when Dolan issued a completely inappropriate response.

From Timothy Burke of Deadspin (other sources including
Howard Beck of Bleacher Report confirmed its authenticity):

Mr Bierman

You are a sad person. Why would anybody write such a hateful letter. I am.just guessing but ill bet your life is a mess and you are a hateful mess. What have you done that anyone would consider positive or nice. I am betting nothing. In fact ill bet you are negative force in everyone who comes in contact with you. You most likely have made your family miserable. Alcoholic maybe. I just celebrated my 21 year anniversary of sobriety. You should try it. Maybe it will help you become a person that folks would like to have around. In the mean while start rooting.for the Nets because the Knicks dont want you.

Respectfully

James Dolan


The letter from the fan did not use profanity and was hardly deserving of this type of reply.

In fact, it probably didn’t need to be responded to at all -- especially by someone at the ownership level of an NBA franchise.