It does not take much to upset sports fans in New York City. Of all people, beloved Sesame Street puppet Elmo found that out the hard way when he posted on social media that he hopes both teams have fun in the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Knicks fans were livid, calling him a traitor and hurling expletives.
Trump's Attendance at Game 3
President Donald Trump has been invited to Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan. Betting company BetOnline.ag has set odds of -300 that Trump will be noticeably booed the first time he is on camera, compared to +200 for him to be cheered. The odds are high that the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game will receive a Bronx cheer.
Heightened Security Measures
The New York Police Department and Secret Service have established a heavily guarded perimeter around Madison Square Garden, leading to the cancellation of a watch party outside the building. Fans are advised to arrive at least two hours before the game. Media members covering the event have documented extensive security checks, including checking under the lid of a reporter's ChapStick.
Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox noted that players are not immune to the security challenges. "The less stuff you can bring, the better," he said. "Obviously, we're getting screened like it's TSA. It's a little inconvenient for the people that gotta play, but it is what it is."
Background of Assassination Attempts
The heightened security comes after a man was charged with the attempted assassination of Trump in April at the White House Correspondents Dinner, along with two other assassination attempts during the last presidential campaign. Additionally, a man was arrested Sunday night after five people were injured in a stabbing incident at neighboring Penn Station.
Pundits, including ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, have pleaded with the president to skip the game so that Knicks fans can enjoy the night without distraction. A Democratic rival questioned whether Trump is even a fan of the Knicks. The White House stated that Trump is a lifelong fan of the NBA club, which last won a title in 1973. Spokesperson Olivia Wales said, "President Trump is the greatest champion for sports of any president in American history."
