USA Today via Reuters
Mar 12, 2021; New York, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing coaches during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 12, 2021; New York, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach Patrick Ewing coaches during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Georgetown Hoyas are on a dream run in the Big East tournament currently. The tournament is being played at the Madison Square Garden, where Hoyas coach Patrick Ewing has seen a lot of success during his time with the New York Knicks.
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Despite all the accolades and wins he has brought to the MSG, Ewing faced disrespect at the hands of the Garden’s security team.
They stopped and accosted him for his credentials. During the post-game interview, Ewing expressed his annoyance regarding this matter.
“I thought this was my building,” Ewing said. “And I feel terrible that I’m getting stopped, accosted, asking for passes.
“Everybody in this building should know who the hell I am. I’m going to have to call Mr. Dolan and say, ‘Geez, is my number in the rafters or what?'”
It is surprising and also embarrassing that personnel couldn’t recognize arguably the best player in Knicks history.
Spike Lee surprised by the disrespect for a Knicks legend
Knicks superfan and famous director, Spike Lee was also stunned by the disrespect towards Ewing. He recently made an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, where he ranted about this treatment to a legend.
“I’m not blaming this on Dolan, but there has to be something just wrong at Madison Square Garden,” Lee said. “Can any of you imagine Derek Jeter being stopped entering Yankee Stadium?
“Magic Johnson being stopped entering the Staples Center? Michael Jordan being stopped entering the United Center? WTF?”
Spike Lee rips MSG for disrespecting Patrick Ewing. pic.twitter.com/WD9xV2gpH2
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 12, 2021
Lee has also faced similar treatment in the past from MSG security. Despite supporting them throughout his life, Lee complained about harassment from owner James Dolan himself. As a result, he stopped going to games.
MSG subsequently released an official statement. However, it was no apology.
MSG statement on Ewing and security here: “Jim and Patrick have a long-standing relationship; they spoke this afternoon and reaffirmed that. We all know, respect and appreciate what he means to The Garden and New York. Good luck to him and his Hoyas in the Big East semi-finals.”
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) March 11, 2021
Can Patrick Ewing and the Georgetown Hoyas complete their Cinderella run?
The incident happened after the Hoyas’ win over the Villanova Wildcats. They beat them in a thriller by just 1 point to advance to the semifinals.
The Hoyas entered the Finals with a resounding 66-58 win over the Seton Hall Pirates. They are now one game away from winning their first Big East conference tournament since 2007.
They face the Creighton Bluejays tonight, and it promises to be an exciting game. Ewing will be eager to reap his first spoils as a coach and help the Hoyas return to glory.