Whenever you look at a troubled organization, be it a charity, government, or sports team, it is always wise to start by looking at the top people in the organization.
In this case, James L. Dolan.
Dolan is no stranger to doling out money, however. In 2001, Allan Houston was signed to a $100,000,000 contract for six years. After four years, Houston retired and the Knicks payed out the remaining $40,000,000 for a player who wasn't even on the team (Bobby Bonilla, anyone?) He surrounds himself with horrible front office staff, has hired some pretty bad coaches while firing good ones, and has brought the Knicks shame for seasons.
Dolan, who also claimed the Knicks would match any offer Jeremy Lin received, has now opted instead to let him walk as a free agent. All while he wasted $40 million dollars on a retired Allan Houston.
For years I defended Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., and it seems to be paying off, as the Bills look poised for a fantastic season. I've sided with Hal and Hank Steinbrenner, John Mara and Steve Tisch (as well as Wellington Mara and Bob Tisch if you want to go back that far). I've never had a complaint about Woody Johnson, and God knows I loved George Steinbrenner, whom I view as a model owner who should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. But I have been longing for a change in the Knicks' ownership for years now. It needs to happen, it has to happen.
We struck out on Fred Wilpon and now must watch as Carlos Beltran continues an All-Star season. We must look at the Mets decrepit bullpen and know that K-Rod, Jason Isringhausen, and JJ Putz are out there having great years.
The bottom line is, the New York Knicks are an embarrassment to the NBA, and James Dolan is mostly to blame. It is high time this team got a new, better owner who knows about the game of basketball and who will help this team win. And when the Knicks get that owner, they will finally be back.
Back in the New York Groove!
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