Published 19:58 IST, June 2nd 2020

Knicks players reportedly unhappy with organization's silence over George Floyd's death

As per reports, the New York Knicks players and employees were apparently unhappy over the organization's silence about George Floyd's tragic murder.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Most NBA teams have released statements regarding George Floyd's murder and protests that have followed. However, New York Knicks are yet to post an official statement. As per reports, Knicks players and employees were apparently unhappy over organization's silence about tragic situation. Knicks owner James Dolan sent an official Knicks email addressing situation. 

Also read | Knicks statement: Knicks owner, MSG chairman James Dolan has coronavirus

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James Dolan sends Knicks email about George Floyd death

ESPN's Pablo Torre tweeted that players and employees are unhappy with Knicks manment. He also revealed a memo of email Madison Square Garden Company executive chairman Jim Dolan sent to MSG employees. He has written that y are aware people want a public statement about George Floyd's death by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He insisted that y kw importance of matter and asked his employees to understand company's 'internal position'.

Dolan added that it is a 'turbulent time' in USA and COVID-19 and civil unrest has 'taken ir toll' on everyone's daily life. While he promised that y stand by ir 'values of a respectful and peaceful workplace', y are 't any more qualified than anyone else to offer' ir opinion on social matters as a sports and entertainment company. He said it is important to look over how y operate and that company is committed to uphold ir values, which include creating a respectful workplace for all, and that will never change.

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Also read | Knicks statement: Madison Square Garden Company CEO James Dolan tests positive for COVID-19

While re are public statements from Knicks employees, Torre released his reports after NBA players attended protests in ir hometowns or current city all over country. Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr returned to his home in Fayetteville, rth Carolina, where he protested with rapper J Cole. Smith has t released any statement and has recently deleted his Instagram account. 

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Also read | Knicks statement: Oscar-winning superfan vows NEVER to attend a Knicks game, Knicks statement issued

George Floyd was killed last week by a police officer named Derek Chauvin. His murder was captured on camera, which showed Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck while 46-year-old man continued to struggle and say he was unable to brea. Chauvin igred his cries for help until he stopped struggling.

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four officers including Chauvin were fired. Later, Chauvin was arrested and charged for third-degree murder and manslaughter. Protests increased after only one of officers was charged. As of Monday (Tuesday IST), people have been protesting for six straight nights. 

Also read | James Dolan back to working from home after being cleared of all COVID-19 symptoms: Report

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19:58 IST, June 2nd 2020