The New York Knicks' long-awaited championship celebration took an unexpected turn. Just days after raising their banner and handing out rings, the franchise is facing questions over its treatment of assistant coaches and longtime Madison Square Garden employees. "The Knicks' assistant coaches did not receive their championship rings during Tuesday's ceremony, despite being handed ring boxes, according to league sources," The Athletic's Joe Vardon wrote.
Many longtime employees at Madison Square Garden will not receive rings at all, per team sources. Those employees got their hopes up in late September, when they were sent a fake championship ring offer as part of a "phishing test." The email, sent in late September, appeared to offer employees a complimentary ring. It even included two designs, named "Championship Gold" and "Garden Classic," and promised personalized jewelry at no cost.
"Congratulations, your Employee Championship Ring is here," the email read, according to The Athletic. However, the offer was a phishing test designed to see which employees would click the link. Those who did were not given a ring.
Instead, they were required to attend a cybersecurity class. The decision has raised eyebrows because championship rings are often extended beyond players to coaches, executives and other team personnel. While teams can decide who receives rings.
The Knicks' championship season ended a 53-year wait for a title, making celebration especially meaningful for players and fans. But the revelations have shifted attention away from the team's achievement and toward the decisions made behind the scenes. New York also lost its season opener to the Philadelphia 76ers, falling 106-100 after the ceremony.
The team will now try to move past the distractions as it begins its title defense.
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