“Everybody should know who the hell am I” Patrick Ewing gets pissed at MSG security asking him for verification
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Patrick Ewing
When it comes to the New York Knicks, no one is more recognisable than Patrick Ewing. His 15 seasons in New York are pretty much all Knicks fans have to look back on these days. He believes he is deserving of the franchise’s respect. He recently complained about protocol officials in the building asking for credentials to enter. He was surprised at how frequently he was “accosted” by security and requested to present his credentials all across the arena
Ewing was the first overall choice in the 1985 draft. He spent 15 years with the Knicks. He was voted Rookie of the Year following a stellar rookie season in which he averaged 20 points and nine rebounds. Ewing, who is now the head men’s basketball coach at Georgetown, was back at MSG on Thursday for the Hoyas’ shock triumph against top-seeded Villanova in the Big East Tournament. But the Knicks great wasn’t all smiles after the game.
Patrick Ewing on security woes at Madison Square Garden
On his way back from the Big East Tournament on Thursday, Ewing informed reporters that he had been stopped several times by MSG security. Ewing felt he should have been acknowledged as the all-time leading scorer of the professional basketball team that plays in that stadium.
“I assumed this was my building,” Ewing explained. “And it bothers me that I’m being stopped, accosted, and asked for passes. Everyone in this building should know who I am. And I’m being held up – I can’t go around this building. “Ewing quipped that he might have to complain about the security to MSG chairman and New York Knicks owner James Dolan. “Does my number hang in the rafters or what?” Ewing stated.
While the personnel working security at MSG are just doing their jobs during a pandemic (and Patrick Ewing was most likely wearing a mask), it’s legitimate for Ewing to expect the arena workers to recognise The Patrick Ewing as the Georgetown head coach. With Georgetown advancing to the semifinals on Friday, I’m confident those postgame comments will put an end to the unwelcome contacts with security.
Following Ewing’s remarks, an MSG Entertainment official issued the following statement: “Jim and Patrick have a lengthy history together.” They spoke this afternoon to reiterate that. We all understand, respect, and value what he means to The Garden and New York. Best wishes to him and his Georgetown Hoyas in the Big East semi-finals.”
Of course, previous players have had run-ins with building security. Charles Oakley, Ewing’s former teammate, was arrested at a game in 2017 for reportedly harassing Dolan. When he refused to go, he was slammed to the ground and handcuffed by security. Oakley filed a complaint against Dolan and MSG, alleging assault, violence, and slander, among other things.
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