Cops Mistake Knicks’ Tyler Kolek for a Fan During New York’s NBA Championship Parade
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek was mistaken for a fan by NYPD during the team’s NBA championship parade, creating a humorous moment amid the citywide celebrations.
Follow Us
Tyler Kolek (Image/ Bleacher Report)
New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek was briefly stopped by police during the team’s NBA championship parade on Thursday after officers apparently mistook him for a fan.
It occurred during the Knicks’ celebration of their first NBA title since 1973, with a parade through Lower Manhattan.
Kimberley A. Martin shared a video on X by ESPN, which shows Kolek walking along the parade route, interacting with fans gathered behind barricades, when two New York Police Department officers spotted him.
The officers tried to stop Kolek and direct him away from the restricted parade area. The second-year guard then seemed to explain that he was a member of the Knicks organization. Shortly afterward, another authorized participant in the parade came over to assist, and Kolek was allowed to continue along the route.
Martin posted the clip with the caption, “Get this man a Knicks roster PLEASE!!! Put some respect on Tyler Kolek’s name,” alongside an upset emoji.
The video quickly spread across social media as fans reacted to the unusual mix-up involving a player from the championship team.
Kolek later responded to the incident himself, appearing to take it in stride. In a post on social media, he wrote, “I swear I’m on the team bro,” followed by three laughing emojis.
Cops mistook Tyler Kolek for a fan 😩 #alwaysknicks pic.twitter.com/7LxI29zahb
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) June 18, 2026
The 25-year-old guard joined the Knicks in 2024 and spent the 2025-26 season as a reserve. He made 70 appearances, including playoff games, and remained part of the roster that helped New York capture its first championship in more than five decades.
Knicks celebrate first NBA Championship since 1973
The incident took place during a historic day for the franchise and its fans. On June 18, New York City conducted a championship parade after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the NBA Finals. The celebration began near Battery Park and traveled through the Canyon of Heroes before concluding near City Hall.
Shortly after the Knicks secured the championship, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the parade. City officials expected large crowds for the event, while the NYPD deployed more than 10,000 officers, making it one of the department’s largest event security operations.
Players, coaches, and team staff rode through Lower Manhattan as thousands of fans lined the streets to celebrate the franchise’s third NBA championship and first title since 1973.
The parade concluded near City Hall, where members of the Knicks organization were honored for ending one of the longest championship droughts in NBA history and bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to New York.
Also Read:
Rinal Chavda
(146 Articles Published)