Spike Lee, James Dolan controversy should make Sixers fans happy they don’t root for Knicks

And you thought the Sixers were having a tough time this season.

Just when you think the Knicks couldn’t possibly out-Knick themselves, they go out and do something like this.

Spike Lee, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker and easily the most famous Knicks fan, has found himself in the middle of a controversy with his favorite team.

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The dispute was over Lee using an employee entrance he said he’s used for years. According to Lee, the security at Madison Square Garden asked him to exit the arena and re-enter the building.

Spike Lee joined @firsttake to explain last night's incident at MSG. pic.twitter.com/xsjGHApDqH
— ESPN (@espn) March 3, 2020

Eventually, Lee got into the game and spoke with owner James Dolan.

In his appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Lee denied that he shook Dolan’s hand and was “smiling,” a claim made in a statement by a team spokesperson that was read to Lee by host Molly Qerim.

"I'm being harassed by James Dolan and I don't know why."

—Spike Lee pic.twitter.com/ca28qHYN63
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 3, 2020

The controversy probably should’ve just ended here.

Then, in the most Knicks move ever, they released the following statement — with pictures!

New York Knicks Statement on Spike Lee pic.twitter.com/19JcvhFKO7
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) March 3, 2020

Perhaps Lee was asked to use a different entrance and it’s clear that he shook hands with Dolan — though Lee doesn’t appear to be smiling — but this statement doesn’t make anyone look good.

It’s similar to the situation a couple years ago with former Knick Charles Oakley. Oakley, who had seats near Dolan, was removed from the Garden during a game on Feb. 8, 2017. The team’s statement said in part that they hoped Oakley "gets some help soon."

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That situation is ongoing as a lawsuit Oakley filed against Dolan and Madison Square Garden was dismissed on back on Feb. 19. He plans to appeal that ruling.

Instead of the headlines being about the hiring of former player agent Leon Rose as team president, Dolan and the Knicks have shifted it to being all about Lee. Probably not great for a team that’s trying to change its image.

Even with how disappointing the Sixers' season has been, at least they're not the Knicks.

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