It's been a rough week for the New York Knicks faithful, and not just because of the on-court drama. After reports of assaults on San Antonio Spurs fans and objects being thrown at players, ESPN's Mike Greenberg decided enough was enough. On Thursday's edition of Get Up, the veteran host delivered a blistering critique of the offending fans, earning applause from across the NBA community.
“If you’re throwing eggs at Victor Wembanyama and beating up people wearing Spurs jerseys, just know that you are a disgrace. Not just a disgrace to the city, you’re a disgrace to yourself,” Greenberg said, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and disappointment. The comments came after multiple incidents at Madison Square Garden during the NBA Finals, including an egg-throwing episode aimed at Wembanyama.
Greenberg's words struck a chord with fans who have watched the series devolve into ugly scenes. One fan responded on social media, “I second what Mike said, throwing things at players and assaulting people for just being a fan of the opposing team is a (expletives) behavior. They are a disgrace and the parents that raised them to think this is acceptable.” Others echoed the sentiment, with another user writing, “Fact. Why can’t you just celebrate your team winning with all your peers who are fans? NY is embarrassing themselves.”
The Knicks haven't won an NBA title since 1973, and the frustration of decades of near-misses has boiled over for some. But as Greenberg's condemnation makes clear, there's no excuse for crossing the line into violence or harassment. The series, currently tied at 2-2, has seen its share of drama, including Jalen Brunson revealing a personal tragedy after a historic comeback, but the off-court behavior has overshadowed the competition.
NBA fans widely supported Greenberg's stance, with many calling for immediate action to curb the behavior. “As cool of a story as the Knicks potentially winning a championship is, the fans don’t make this team easy to root for. Embarrassing,” one observer noted. The incidents have drawn comparisons to other fan misconduct cases across sports, raising questions about security and accountability at arenas.
The Knicks and Spurs are set to face off in Game 5 on Saturday in San Antonio, with a potential Game 6 back in New York on Tuesday. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the passion of the playoffs doesn't turn into outright hostility. Greenberg's message may serve as a wake-up call for those who let their fandom get out of hand.
As the series continues, the hope is that the energy in the stands matches the intensity on the court—without the disgraceful behavior that has marred this week's games. Greenberg's words remind us all that being a fan is about support, not violence.
