Knicks Sent Fake ‘Employee Ring’ Email as Phishing Test While Coaches Were Given Empty Boxes

Overview

• Players were presented with ornate championship rings and a banner during the ring ceremony on Tuesday, while assistant coaches were handed empty boxes and told their rings would be delivered later.
• In September, many Madison Square Garden employees received an email that appeared to offer a complimentary employee championship ring but was a deliberate phishing test, sources told The Athletic.
• Employees who clicked the link in that message were not issued rings and were instead required to complete mandatory cybersecurity training.
• MSG has declined to disclose details about who will receive employee rings and reporting says many longtime arena staff may not get rings at all.
• The episode has drawn criticism over optics and employee treatment as the club promotes expensive player rings and a limited replica program, raising questions about morale and MSG’s organizational priorities.