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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Director and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee looks on before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Director and New York Knicks fan Spike Lee looks on before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

Spike Lee Calls Knicks 'F--king Laughable' amid Drama with James Dolan, MSG

Joseph ZuckerMar 3, 2020

The war of words between Spike Lee and the New York Knicks continued after the team asserted the famous film director was denied entry because he attempted to use the incorrect entrance.

The Knicks issued a statement Tuesday saying Lee "is welcome to come to The Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance" rather than the doors reserved for team employees:

Lee spoke to the New York Times' Sopan Deb about the matter.

"What's laughable is how the Knicks are the laughingstock of the league in sports," he said. "That's what's f--king laughable."

Lee appeared on ESPN'sĀ First TakeĀ on Tuesday morning to air his grievances with the Knicks.Ā He told Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman that he felt he was "being harassed" by team owner James Dolan and didn't plan to attend another Knicks game this season.

Lee added that he was a Knicks fan long before achieving celebrity status.

The saga is providing more ammunition for critics who argue Dolan is mismanaging the franchise. The last month alone has been quite the journey:

The statement from the Knicks is also indicative of the general antagonism many fans feel from the owner's end.

Former Knicks star Charles Oakley, who had been aĀ vocal criticĀ of Dolan, wasĀ removed from Madison Square GardenĀ and arrested in February 2017. The Athletic'sĀ Mike VorkunovĀ reported Oakley was legally allowed to re-enter MSG beginning in August 2018 but that he had yet to return to the venue.

TMZ SportsĀ reported in March 2019 that Dolan ordered arena security to remove a fan who had told him to sell the team. Security personnel in November alsoĀ approached a fanĀ who started a "Fire Dolan" chant during the Knicks'Ā 108-87 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The simmering discontent in New York has done little to hurt Dolan's bottom line, however.Ā Forbes'Ā Kurt BadenhausenĀ estimated the Knicks to be worth $4 billion, making them the most valued team in the NBA.

VJ Hits Dagger AGAIN šŸ—”ļø