VIDEO: Kendrick Perkins Taking James Dolan to the Woodshed Means He's Cool Again
By Scott Rogust
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins hasn't endeared himself too well to a lot of hoopers and fans, especially when he recently switched sides in the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate. However, he may have won over some. of his critics on Tuesday. During an appearance on ESPN's "The Jump," Perk lashed out at New York Knicks owner James Dolan for refusing to release an official team statement about the killing of George Floyd.
James “Cupcake” Dolan is a small reason why we are having a Blackout Tuesday...the New York Knicks are the most Valuable Franchise in the NBA and decided not to use the Platform to address Civil Rights and what’s going on in America!!! So I addressed them. #NoJusticeNoPeace✊? pic.twitter.com/tO3KuGlF0A
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 2, 2020
Every team in the NBA released a statement to condemn the actions of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, the man responsible for Floyd's death, and to express solidarity with black communities. The only team not to send out a positive message in short order as national protests broke out? The New York Knickerbockers.
Again can anybody find Pastor Kanye West?
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 2, 2020
No, no, stay focused! We're talking about ol' JD here.
Dolan sent out an email to all Madison Square Garden employees on Monday to tell them that while the Knicks organization doesn't condone racial discrimination, they aren't "more qualified than anyone else" to offer their opinion on social matters.
A full day later, Dolan tried to "clarify" his stance on the lack of a public statement. Spoiler alert: it's still not coming.
I have just been told that dozens of disgruntled MSG employees are currently meeting, without Jim Dolan, to discuss Dolan's internal memo and position on this subject. It's the equivalent of a players-only meeting, except it's the non-player employees meeting. https://t.co/1Cm8DR4YDQ
— Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) June 2, 2020
Perkins says it's disappointing that the most valuable franchise in the league won't even use its gigantic platform to advocate for civil rights. In his mind, the NBA stands for brotherhood as well as leadership, and "Cupcake" Dolan failed to check off either category.
But... are we really surprised? This is James Dolan we're talking about!