KEY POINTS

  • James Dolan tested positive for the Coronavirus
  • New York Knicks fans are not bothered by Dolan's condition
  • Dolan will be sending financial help to his employees

Fans of the New York Knicks do not seem bothered by the news that team owner James Dolan tested positive for the Coronavirus.

The Knicks’ followers being rather “insensitive” in their response utterly stood out as most exhibited little to no empathy – with some even posting hilariously mocking memes - with the condition of the Madison Square Garden chairman.

The Knicks announced Dolan’s state on Saturday and said that while he is in self-isolation, the 64-year-old continues to monitor MSG’s business operations as he is just experiencing mild symptoms.

“The Madison Square Garden Company Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Dolan has tested positive for coronavirus. He has been in self-isolation and is experiencing little to no symptoms. He continues to oversee business operations,” the Knicks’ statement read.

On the same day of the announcement, it was also reported that Dolan will be helping his employees who are dreadfully affected by the crisis.

According to a memo sent to the workers, per the NY Daily News, “Dolan and MSG have agreed to pay event staff at the World’s Most Famous Arena through at least May 3 during the coronavirus shut down and created a fund for hardship cases that’s already received $2.3 million in donations.”

The memo added that the compensation will stretch through all the Knicks and Rangers games, as well as the other events scheduled at the Garden, plus the events for the rest of the Dolan-owned venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Hulu Theatre and The Chicago Theatre. It was stated, however, that only those “who averaged at least 20 hours per week over the last six months” will qualify for the financial aid.

The rapid increase in COVID-19 cases within New York City has made the Big Apple the epicenter of the virus in the world, with more than 30,000 confirmed cases - a number that is nearly 25 percent of the total cases in the United States. The city has now recorded 827 deaths due to the disease, including a terrifying 222 single day kills on Saturday.

James Dolan
James Dolan attends a Madison Square Garden Company Special Announcement at The Beacon Theatre on December 1, 2015 in New York City. Getty Images/Rob Kim