The Knicks Were Fined $50,000 For Banning New York Daily News Reporters From A Press Conference


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The NBA has cracked down on the New York Knicks for banning the New York Daily News from a post-NBA Draft press conference on Friday. The News, which has long been critical of the Knicks and owner James Dolan, apparently had its reporters banned from participating in a press conference to introduce picks R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis on Friday afternoon.

Outrage soon followed from a number of colleagues in the New York media and beyond, including a number of big time NBA reporters.

https://twitter.com/SIChrisMannix/status/1142227952689721344

The Pro Basketball Writers Association also issued a statement condemning the Knicks over the weekend.

“The New York Knicks’ decision to ban New York Daily News journalists from RJ Barrett’s and Ignas Brazdeikis’ introductory news conference Friday was unprofessional and unacceptable. James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks franchise, previously has said that barring Daily News employees from media availabilities sends the Daily News ‘a message.’ In reality, the only message he is sending is that he is a bully who retaliates against legitimate news outlets that publish content he dislikes. Members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association support our Daily News colleagues, and we condemn the Knicks’ attempts to hinder journalists’ ability to do their jobs and inform the public.”

The NBA has media guidelines set up by the league and the Player’s Association’s collective bargaining agreement, among other things, that guide when reporters can have access to team events like Friday’s press conference. And on Monday, the NBA punished the Knicks for violating those guidelines.

The rules here are pretty clear: the Daily News may be harsh when it comes to Knicks coverage, but as long as it’s not breaking the law by publishing libelous content, the First Amendment and the rules of the NBA’s guidelines still apply. It’s clear that Dolan and the Knicks aren’t happy with News headlines and reporters, but they can’t outright ban the organization because they don’t feel they’re being treated nicely enough.

The team released a brief statement following the fine, saying they will follow the league’s media guidelines going forward.

“The Knicks acknowledge that we did not comply with the NBA’s media policy, and made an error in interpreting Friday’s announcement as an invite only event. As we do throughout the year, we have and will continue to provide access to credentialed media as per the League’s policy.”