The Knicks’ title parade was always going to test New York’s crowd control, as thousands of fans packed Lower Manhattan and many were turned away once viewing areas were already filled.
The NYPD said viewing pens opened at 6 a.m. and were full in under two hours. Supporters outside the route were left chanting to get in as the celebration moved towards City Hall.
In that context, security work became tense and unforgiving, leading to an awkward moment involving one of the players there to celebrate.
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek stopped by police during title parade
Tyler Kolek was briefly stopped by police after officers appeared to mistake him for a fan who had entered a players-only area.
The confusion was understandable, even if awkward. Kolek is part of the Knicks’ championship roster, but he was not one of the faces casual fans would instantly recognise.
According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old guard played only 53 minutes across the whole postseason, mostly in late-game situations. That kept him away from the biggest spotlight during the run.
Tyler Kolek reacts to NYPD mix-up with joke on X
Kolek did not seem too bothered once the clip spread online.
Instead of turning the mistake into a serious controversy, he reacted in a light-hearted way on X.
The guard wrote: “I swear I’m on the team, bro,” alongside laughing emojis.
It only proves that being an NBA champion does not always guarantee instant recognition.
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