ngOf course, when James Dolan finally inspires the cheers of Knicks fans it is for the wrong reason.
The Knicks announced Saturday that Dolan tested positive for COVID-19 and the team’s owner remains in self-isolation, while experiencing little to no symptoms. That news brought unrestrained glee to countless fans — who posted memes and GIFs to social media of laughs and celebrations. The Knicks have struggled in the two decades since the largely despised owner took over, and many fans have called on Dolan to sell the team.
But the 64-year-old found support from another oft-insulted New York fixture.
“For those who actually took the time to cheer when you heard that he was stricken with the virus, I mean, come on. You’re better than that,” Mike Francesa said during his WFAN return to Sunday mornings, which was prompted by the station’s coronavirus-induced reshuffling. “That’s messed up. On any level, that’s messed up.
“Nobody roots for somebody to get sick. I don’t care what you think about how he runs his basketball team. Nobody roots for anybody to get sick. Ever. You’re better than that. You have to be better than that. We all have to better than that.”
Dolan has also received genuine praise during the pandemic, after Madison Square Garden Co. event staff was notified Friday night that they will be paid through at least May 3. A relief fund has also been created to assist employees during the current crisis, with Madison Square Garden donating $1 million, the Dolan Family Foundation contributing $1 million and the MSG management team adding $300,000.
Dolan also offered the Garden to the city as a potential site to house patients affected by hospital overcrowding, but Mayor Bill de Blasio declined the offer.
“And he should be lauded here for how he’s handled his employees. Because he’s making sure they get paid through May 3. And you know what? A lot of other employers aren’t,” Francesa said. “So when he does something that’s fair and right, give him the credit he deserves. And anybody rooting against him, hey, step back for a second and think about what you’re doing. You want that karma in this world right now?”