Dolan donates to opponent of congressman who told him to sell Knicks
A congressman's recent criticism of James Dolan has prompted retaliation from the New York Knicks owner.
Incumbent Democratic Staten Island Rep. Max Rose urged Dolan to sell the Knicks while speaking to TMZ Sports, describing the team as an "absolute disgrace." That didn't sit well with Dolan, who is now donating money to GOP Congressional candidate Nicole Malliotakis, according to Jon Levine of the New York Post.
"Max Rose thinks he can make our team and my ownership his political platform," Dolan wrote in an email to friends that was obtained by The Post. "I need to let him know that we will not stand for this. The best way to do this is to help his opponent. He is in a tight race for the US Congress in Staten Island. … Please join me in helping Nicole defeat Max Rose for Congress.
"It will help send a strong message to all NY politicians that the Knicks will not be their political ticket to re-election. The most you can donate is $2,800. I cannot do this alone due to the limit on campaign contributions."
Dolan told The Post that neither representative was on his radar prior to Rose's comments. He also confirmed that MSG Sports cut a $50,000 check Tuesday to "The Governing Majority Fund," a PAC run by former representatives whose mission is to help Republicans win back the House.
As for Rose's hope of the Knicks being sold, Dolan said that won't be happening.
"I have absolutely no plans to sell the team," he said.