After Julius Randle gave a thumbs-down to New York Knicks fans and explained what it meant, he then issued a statement.
Julius Randle took to Instagram and expressed his regret for his actions during, and comments after, the Knicks comeback victory against the Celtics at Madison Square Garden. During the second half of the game, Randle gave a thumbs-down gesture to the Madison Square Garden crowd while his team was mounting its comeback. When he was asked what the gesture meant he told reporters that he was telling Knicks fans to “shut the f–k up”.
Randle’s action has triggered different reactions from the fanbase. A number of Knicks fans can appreciate the sentiment, some are offended, and others would prefer for this story to be over with.
In Randle’s statement, he acknowledges that his actions represent the NBA, franchise, and New York City as a whole and understands that he should have handled the situation better. He likened his reaction as saying something you regret to a person you love, even if the intent was pure.
Randle also reaffirmed his desire to win and his commitment and loyalty to the whole Knicks organization and the fanbase. Furthermore, he states how happy both he and his family are in New York and they are still happy with their decision to re-sign long-term to help the team win.
Some Knicks fans have been irritated with Julius this season because he hasn’t matched his level of play from last season. That, along with the fact that the team has regressed and is struggling to find consistency. Yet let’s remember that this is the same fanbase that gave him MVP chants throughout last season and into the preseason this year. The reality with the Knicks is that if you play well the fans will back you all the way but they won’t sugar-coat it when you’re not playing to their expectations. The Knicks fanbase is now responding to a trend in his play, not a one-off mistake.
As of today, Randle was fined $25,000 by the NBA for two accounts of “egregious use of profane language” directed towards fans.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know in the comments below or wherever you’re reading this article. Also, stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the 2021-22 NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out the debate on whether boos should be accepted and if Knicks fans are toxic!
