Former MSNBC host Joy Reid has compared New York Knicks owner James Dolan to a "plantation owner" for accepting an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House following the team's NBA Championship win. Reid stated on her podcast, "The Joy Reid Show," that she found the prospect of the predominantly Black players being expected to visit the White House under Trump's administration to be "demeaning."
"Dolan ‘definitely comes across as a plantation owner character, and the fact that he would want to see these proud black men ‘Yes, sir’-ing a racist president — it hurts my heart so much to even think about it," Reid said. She characterized the situation as players being "forced to visit the White House."
Atlantic writer Jemele Hill, a guest on Reid's show, echoed these sentiments, agreeing that Dolan was "purposely putting them in the line of fire of an administration that has been openly hostile towards black folks." Hill described Dolan's acceptance of the invite as "very slave-y," suggesting there is a "perverse thrill that comes with making black athletes, especially black men, look subservient."
President Trump congratulated the Knicks on their NBA Finals victory via Truth Social, calling it "Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball" and praising players like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. Following the team's championship win, which was their first since 1973, Dolan announced he had accepted Trump's invitation for the team to visit the White House. Dolan stated, "I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House."
This decision has generated controversy, with some Knicks players reportedly declining to confirm their attendance. "The View" co-hosts also discussed the issue, with some arguing it placed political pressure on the players. However, co-host Whoopi Goldberg offered a contrasting view, expressing a desire for the players to visit.
During the podcast, Hill also accused Dolan of hypocrisy, citing an instance where Dolan appeared to dismiss remarks from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a team celebration. Hill argued that Dolan should allow his players the same latitude to express their political opinions as he demonstrated in his interactions with the mayor. "Oh, so you could show up the mayor and you could talk s–t about the mayor, but they can’t talk s–t about the president. You’re making them go to the White House," Hill stated.
Hill further contended that the decision to visit the White House should be at the athletes' discretion, noting that many players did not visit under former President Barack Obama without significant controversy. She added, "One thing that a lot of white people get the benefit of doing is being able to be politically neutral. Black people don’t get to be that."
President Trump's attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals also drew criticism, with some fans accusing him of jinxing the game. Fans attending the game were required to arrive early due to heightened security measures.