The New York Rangers silence on George Floyd due to decision by James Dolan

In the city that never sleeps, the New York Rangers organization has been silent on the George Floyd death and the protests going on all across the country. An email by executive chairman and CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company and executive chairman of MSG Networks James Dolan gives fans the reason why.

A Twitter post by Pablo S. Torre on Monday night added some light to the reason why the Rangers are one of the few NHL teams to make any statements about Floyd’s death.

In his post, Torre acknowledged that he received a copy of an email Dolan sent to MSG employees explaining why the organization has stayed silent. I also have confirmed from an MSG employee of the email and its legitimacy.  The highlights of his email centered around,

“We are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters. What’s important is how we operate. Our companies are committed to upholding our values, which include creating a respectful workplace for all, and that will never change.”

The email doesn’t give a specific reason why the organization decided not to make any public statements while other NHL teams have done so.

The Rangers have one African-American player in their organization, 2018 first-round pick K’Andre Miller.  He himself was a victim of racism after he signed his entry-level contract with the team. Miller was participating in a live Zoom interview when the site was hacked with racist slurs visible on the live chat feed by everyone including Miller.

Earlier on Monday, Miller released a statement about the Floyd murder and his personal attack he suffered in that virtual interview and throughout his young career.

The New York Knicks players were also reportedly furious that a statement was not released by MSG and Dolan. The email bears the question, How can one of the biggest cities in the country, who have had their share of racism over the years, simply ignore this tragedy?