The New York Knicks have moved to correct what they describe as “misinformation” about the distribution of their NBA championship rings, after some employees received a phishing email offering the chance to claim one. A Madison Square Garden (MSG) spokesperson admitted that “using the rings as a lure to gain employees attention was an unfortunate mistake”, and said that more than 275 employees were already set to receive rings “in about 4-6 weeks”, worth more than $3.7 million.
The Athletic reported on Thursday that employees received an email in September with the subject line: “Your Employee Championship Ring is here”. Those who clicked the link were told that they had failed a phishing test and would have to attend a mandatory cybersecurity class.
The spokesperson acknowledged the error on Friday. In a further statement on Saturday, MSG conceded that using an email about the selection of rings to train staff on cybersecurity was a mistake, though it said that “reminding our employees to protect our IP was not”.
Rings presented before season opener
The Knicks secured their first title since 1973 last season. Players received their rings on Tuesday night, before losing their season opener to LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers.
MSG stressed that the rings were always intended for a wider group than the players. “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.”