New York Knicks radio analyst Monica McNutt faced intense criticism after a hot mic caught her making a dismissive comment about Taylor Swift's attendance at the NBA Finals. Swift attended Game 4 on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden alongside Este and Alana Haim from the band Haim, sporting a 'Stevie Knicks' T-shirt. Her presence naturally drew attention, including from McNutt, who also works for ESPN.
The Hot Mic Moment
During the broadcast, McNutt asked her on-air partner, announcer Tyler Murray, if Swift was actually at the game. Murray initially responded that he thought someone else was 'saying her name to distract' him, but then pulled out his camera to take a photo of the singer for his wife. McNutt, apparently unimpressed, told Murray, 'She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here, girl.' The exchange was captured on a hot mic, with McNutt off-camera.
Social Media Backlash
The clip quickly went viral, and social media users were quick to bring receipts showing that Swift has been attending Knicks games since at least 2014. Several tweets highlighted her long-standing fandom, with many criticizing McNutt for her remark. Even Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy weighed in, tweeting, 'Damn. Hate to see @McNuttMonica hating on Taylor Swift. Lots of new faces in the crowd. Don't see her singling them out. Knicks are falling apart at the seams.'
No Official Response Yet
HuffPost reached out to the Knicks for comment, but no one immediately responded. Meanwhile, there is no word on whether Swift will travel to San Antonio for Game 5, though rumors suggest she may return to the Knicks' home arena for her upcoming wedding to NFL player Travis Kelce.
