PBWA statement regarding the New York Knicks

June 22, 2019 — The following statement has been issued by Josh Robbins, president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association, regarding the New York Knicks’ ban of New York Daily News journalists from a news conference introducing the Knicks’ 2019 draft picks:

“The New York Knicks’ decision to ban New York Daily News journalists from RJ Barrett’s and Ignas Brazdeikis’ introductory news conference Friday was unprofessional and unacceptable. James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks franchise, previously has said that barring Daily News employees from media availabilities sends the Daily News ‘a message.’ In reality, the only message he is sending is that he is a bully who retaliates against legitimate news outlets that publish content he dislikes. Members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association support our Daily News colleagues, and we condemn the Knicks’ attempts to hinder journalists’ ability to do their jobs and inform the public.”