NBA probes Knicks and Raptors over stolen files allegations
- The New York Knicks allege that video coordinator Ike Azotam stole proprietary files when he joined the Toronto Raptors.
- The lawsuit initiated by the Knicks seeks $10 million in damages and has raised concerns about NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's impartiality.
- After months without updates, the NBA has finally contacted both teams regarding the investigation into these serious allegations.
In August 2023, the New York Knicks initiated legal action against the Toronto Raptors, alleging that Ike Azotam, a former video coordinator, unlawfully transferred thousands of proprietary files to his new position with the Raptors. This lawsuit has led to significant developments, including a federal judge's decision that mandated the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, to oversee the resolution of the dispute. The Knicks, who are seeking $10 million in damages, voiced concerns regarding Silver's impartiality due to his ties with Larry Tanenbaum, a key figure in the Raptors' ownership. The Knicks claimed that this connection would bias any potential ruling from Silver, who has refrained from addressing questions about his objectivity since the court's decision. A joint filing by both teams highlighted a significant delay, noting that as of December 13, the NBA had not provided updates regarding their investigation of the matter which had been pending for several months. The Knicks have expressed frustration over this situation, suggesting that the NBA's handling of the investigation indicates a conflict of interest and a possible lack of motivation for a fair and unbiased outcome. Since then, the league has finally communicated with the Knicks and Raptors, marking a critical step in the ongoing legal battle over the alleged theft of confidential files.