Howard Stern claimed on his show Monday that members of the New York Knicks don’t approach him during their games, but embrace black celebrities at the same time.
Celebrities are often a big part of the Madison Square Garden atmosphere when the Knicks are in the NBA postseason and Stern is often a fixture on the sidelines with other big names.
However, the old shock jock — speaking from Miami Beach where he’s opening a new SiriusXM studio — said he’s getting a bit of a cold shoulder from his hometown team and wondering if it’s about racing.
‘Yeah, maybe they don’t like me. I don’t know,’ Stern replied. “I’d like to think it’s a white thing, not my personality. I hope it’s racial. That’s all.’
He clarified that New York’s most famous NBA team is often generous to him, putting him in the celebrity row at the Garden.
Howard Stern claimed on his show Monday that members of the New York Knicks don’t approach him during their games while hugging black celebrities at the same time
“The Knicks have been very nice to me,” Stern admitted. “They put me right in the front row. Then I knew I was famous. When I’m, you know, I’m on court, they put me on the side of the court and the black players don’t come by to say hello, they go to Spike Lee.’
Lee is perhaps the most famous fan of the Knicks, breaking away from the action on some occasions, most famously fighting Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller in the 1990s.
Sidekick Robin Quivers questioned Stern when he brought up this point: “They don’t acknowledge you at all?”
Stern said they didn’t and then brought up that in his opinion the team was significantly friendlier to black celebrities.
‘No. I sit next to Tracy Morgan or Chris Rock. You know, they put you where they put you. And a lot of times when I’m there I’m standing next to Tracy Morgan, who’s so funny. And he’s sitting there and everything, a few players will come by. They like to give him that bro shake and stuff.”
The radio legend admitted that he wanted some of that love himself and felt he could relate to the lifestyle of NBA superstars.
“And I’m like — these guys should be hugging me too. I mean what am I? I grew up in a black neighborhood, you know what I mean? I mean, they should know that. But I’m being ignored,” Stern said.
Quivers, who is black, then asked Stern if “it’s a racial thing.”
Stern said NBA players are more likely to embrace celebrities like Tracy Morgan
Spike Lee (pictured left) is perhaps the most famous fan of the Knicks, breaking away from the action on some occasions.
“I’ll sit next to Tracy Morgan or Chris Rock. You know, they put you where they put you. And a lot of times when I’m there I’m standing next to Tracy Morgan, who’s so funny. And he’s sitting there and some players will come along,” Stern said. “They like to give him that bro shake and stuff.”
“I’m sure they’re talking to some white people,” she added.
‘No, not that I saw. I want them to. I want them to talk to me,” Stern said. “I want them to come and go, ‘Hey Howard, fan of the show or something.” I do not get that.’
Stern has hosted his radio show on various stations since 1981, after moving exclusively to SiriusXM in 2005.
He then admitted that there was at least one participant in the games who would contact him.
“And do you know who sometimes comes to me? The referees. White guys and black guys, they come to me, white umpires and black. Like, “Hey Howard, hey.” But yes, many of the white umpires. So I’m like, oh, is everything racial now? Can I have a shout-out from some of the players?’ Stern said.
Stern joked, but also said, “I just get upset. I’m like, you know, fame is very important to me. I admit. I like that people recognize me.’
Celebrities are often a big part of the Madison Square Garden atmosphere when the Knicks are in the NBA postseason and Stern is often a fixture on the sidelines with other big names
Tracy Morgan, Jessica Chastain with father Michael Hastey, watch the hometown New York Knicks take on the visiting Charlotte Hornets
Quivers then comforted him by suggesting that the players “might recognize you.” Just don’t talk to you.’
The Knicks may be more concerned at this point about their second-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, heading to South Beach with a 1-1 tie.
Perhaps with Stern this week in Miami Beach, he can make amends with some players when Game 3 takes place Saturday afternoon.