Knicks address lack of comment on George Floyd protests in email to MSG employees

As nationwide protests continue, athletes, coaches and teams have voiced their support for those speaking out against systemic racism following the death of George Floyd.

However, the New York Knicks have remained silent up to this point, despite being based in one of the epicenters of the protests. And in an internal email that was sent to Madison Square Garden employees and obtained by ESPN, the Knicks tried to explain why they have made no public statement.

"We know that some of you have asked about whether our company is going to make a public statement about the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer," the email read. "I want you to know, I realize the importance of this issue. Therefore, I want you to understand our internal position.

"This is a turbulent time in our country. The coronavirus and civil unrest have taken their toll on our way of life. We at Madison Square Garden stand by our values of respect and peaceful workplace. We always will.

"As companies in the business of sports and entertainment, however, we are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters."

The letter has been predictably criticized online, with many people saying the letter is an attempt by the franchise to stay neutral on a divisive topic. Additionally, the Knicks are one of two NBA teams that have not released statements addressing Floyd's death, the other being the San Antonio Spurs, though Spurs coach Gregg Popovich released a statement condemning the President and supporting the protests.

And there seems to be just as much anger inside the Knicks organization, as ESPN's Pablo Torre reported that "Knicks players and employees are furious that the team hasn't made a public statement about George Floyd."