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Tag: basketball news

  • New York Knicks Accept White House Invitation, Set to Become First NBA Champions to Visit Trump

    New York Knicks Accept White House Invitation, Set to Become First NBA Champions to Visit Trump

    The New York Knicks are preparing to make history as the first NBA championship team to visit the White House during President Donald Trump’s time in office, ending a years-long trend of NBA title winners declining or missing the traditional celebration.

    An administration official confirmed that the newly crowned NBA champions have accepted an invitation from the White House and are expected to visit at a date that will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Knicks owner James Dolan revealed the development during an interview with sports radio station WFAN, confirming that the organization had formally accepted the invitation.

    “We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, but yes, of course.”

    White House officials also confirmed that discussions with the Knicks are ongoing and expressed anticipation about hosting the team.

    The visit marks a significant moment in the relationship between the NBA and the White House. Throughout Trump’s first term, multiple NBA championship teams declined traditional White House visits, often citing political differences or scheduling concerns.

    The trend began in 2017 when the Golden State Warriors opted not to attend a White House celebration after star guard Stephen Curry publicly expressed reluctance about visiting. Trump responded by withdrawing the invitation through social media. The Warriors again skipped a White House visit after winning another championship, while the Toronto Raptors also chose not to participate following their 2019 title victory.

    The Los Angeles Lakers did not make a White House visit after winning the 2020 NBA championship amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump had previously criticized Lakers star LeBron James over his support for Curry and other players who challenged the administration.

    Even after Trump returned to office, the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly did not visit following their championship victory, citing scheduling and timing concerns.

    The Knicks’ decision therefore represents a notable departure from recent NBA tradition and could signal a new chapter in the relationship between professional basketball champions and the White House.

    Dolan, who has known Trump for decades, highlighted their long-standing friendship and said he was proud to bring the championship team to Washington. Earlier this month, he invited Trump to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

    Although Trump received boos from sections of the crowd during the game, he later praised the Knicks’ championship run and congratulated key players including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson.

    The Knicks secured their first NBA championship in 53 years, ending one of the longest title droughts in league history and delivering a long-awaited celebration for fans across New York City.

    The upcoming White House visit is expected to further spotlight the franchise’s historic season while reviving a tradition that has largely been absent from the NBA during recent years.

  • Terry Rozier Ordered to Forfeit Majority of $26.6 Million NBA Salary Amid Gambling Investigation

    Terry Rozier Ordered to Forfeit Majority of $26.6 Million NBA Salary Amid Gambling Investigation

    NBA free agent Terry Rozier has been ordered to forfeit most of his $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season after an arbitrator ruled that he violated the terms of his contract with the Miami Heat amid an ongoing federal sports gambling investigation.

    The ruling, issued in late May, determined that Rozier breached his contractual obligations to the Heat because the conditions attached to his pretrial release prevented him from fulfilling his responsibilities as a professional player. Rozier has pleaded not guilty to all allegations connected to the case.

    According to court documents, Rozier’s release conditions prohibit him from contacting players, coaches, medical personnel, and other staff members associated with both the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. He is also subject to travel restrictions while the criminal proceedings continue.

    The latest decision follows an earlier arbitration ruling that required the Heat to pay Rozier his full salary after it was determined that the NBA could not place him on unpaid leave following his indictment. However, Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, stated that the team subsequently stopped making salary payments, triggering a second arbitration process that ultimately resulted in the new ruling.

    Trusty has now asked the court to modify Rozier’s release conditions by removing the Charlotte Hornets from his no-contact list. He argues that maintaining the restriction could severely damage Rozier’s ability to secure employment during NBA free agency, as teams may be unwilling to sign a player who cannot participate in games involving the Hornets.

    In legal filings, Trusty warned that the arbitrator’s ruling effectively means any inability to play for or against Charlotte could be considered a failure to perform contractual services, potentially eliminating future opportunities for Rozier within the league.

    The criminal case against Rozier continues to expand. Federal prosecutors originally charged him in October with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Last week, prosecutors filed additional charges, including sports bribery and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.

    According to the superseding indictment, prosecutors allege that Rozier accepted a $100,000 bribe in exchange for providing bettors with advance information about his intention to leave a March 2023 game early because of an injury while playing for the Charlotte Hornets.

    Rozier has denied all allegations. His attorney confirmed that he is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges next week and will enter a not guilty plea.

    The case has become one of the most significant gambling-related investigations involving an active NBA player in recent years, raising broader questions about sports integrity, athlete conduct, and league oversight as legal proceedings continue.

  • Sandy Brondello Receives Hero’s Welcome in Emotional Return to New York With Toronto Tempo

    Sandy Brondello Receives Hero’s Welcome in Emotional Return to New York With Toronto Tempo

    Former New York Liberty championship coach Sandy Brondello received a heartfelt reception from fans and former players during her emotional return to New York on Wednesday night as head coach of the expansion Toronto Tempo.

    Brondello, who guided the New York Liberty to their first WNBA championship in franchise history in 2024, was welcomed with a standing ovation before tipoff as fans acknowledged her contributions to the organization. The tribute marked her first game back in New York since parting ways with the Liberty after the 2025 season.

    The veteran coach was visibly appreciative of the support, waving to the crowd while receiving applause from the home fans. Several of her former players also greeted her warmly during pregame activities, underscoring the strong relationships she built during her successful tenure with the franchise.

    New York further honored Brondello with a special tribute video during the first quarter. The presentation also recognized her husband and longtime assistant coach, Olaf Lange, along with former Liberty players Isabelle Harrison and Nyara Sabally, both now part of Toronto’s organization. The crowd responded with another standing ovation following the video.

    Brondello leaves behind a remarkable legacy in New York. After taking over in 2022, she compiled a regular-season record of 107 wins and 53 losses, becoming the winningest coach in Liberty history. Her tenure peaked with the franchise’s historic championship victory in 2024. However, a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2025 led management to make a coaching change.

    Despite the circumstances of her departure, Brondello expressed gratitude for her time with the Liberty while embracing her new challenge in Toronto.

    The return also carried special significance for Sabally, who played a key role in New York’s championship-winning campaign before being selected by Toronto in the WNBA expansion draft. She reflected fondly on her memories with the Liberty and the support she received from fans during her time in New York.

    Toronto’s visit highlighted the impressive start by the league’s newest franchise. Entering the matchup, the Tempo held a 5-4 record, matching the Liberty and demonstrating early promise as the WNBA’s first team based outside the United States.

    As Brondello continues building Toronto’s future, her warm reception in New York served as a reminder of the lasting impact she had on one of the WNBA’s most successful recent championship teams.