The New York Knicks have moved to correct what they call “misinformation” about the distribution of their NBA championship rings, after some employees received a phishing email that offered a chance to claim one. Madison Square Garden now says more than 275 employees are still set to receive rings worth more than $3.7 million, with the handouts expected “in about 4-6 weeks.”
The Athletic reported on Thursday that some employees received an email in September with the subject line: “Your Employee Championship Ring is here.” Those who clicked the link were told they had failed a phishing test and would have to attend a mandatory cybersecurity class.
A Madison Square Garden (MSG) spokesperson acknowledged on Friday that “using the rings as a lure to gain employees attention was an unfortunate mistake.”
In a further statement on Saturday, MSG conceded that using an email about ring selection to train staff on cybersecurity was a mistake, though “reminding our employees to protect our IP was not.”
Rings Awarded Before Season Opener
The Knicks secured their first championship since 1973 last season. Players received their rings on Tuesday night, then lost their season opener to LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The organization stressed that the broader plan has not changed. “There is a great deal of misinformation regarding the championship rings,” the statement said. “The plan has always been to distribute more than 275 rings and jewelry to the people in the organization who were part of last season’s success.”