The New York Knicks found themselves at the mercy of Taylor Swift’s massive fanbase after Tyler Kolek’s recent comments.
Kolek called Swift the ‘fakest’ celebrity Knicks fan, suggesting that she isn’t an actual fan and wasn’t actually around during their tough years.
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Given her massive global popularity, many of her fans, known commonly online as the ‘Swifties,’ took issue with the star’s jabs at the pop star.
According to New York Knicks beat reporter Fred Katz, the New York Knicks players decided to make light of the controversy surrounding Tyler Kolek and Taylor Swift.
Prior to their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, whom Swift has become a fan of, given that her husband Travis Kelce grew up in Cleveland and is an avid Cavaliers fan, the Knicks stars played Swift’s hit song ‘Shake It Off’ in the locker room at a loud volume.
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However, the Knicks players didn’t just play ‘Shake It Off’ in the locker room; they also jammed out to one of Swift’s most iconic songs ever.
Clearly, the Knicks players aren’t too concerned about the situation with Swift, even using their pregame routine to warm up and poke fun at Tyler Kolek.
Interestingly, MSG Sports, the ownership group led by James Dolan that own the Knicks, put out a statement in the aftermath of Kolek’s comments to show their appreciation for Swift, in an effort to quell the fan backlash against them.
But the news of the Knicks players making fun of the situation further might only fan the flames, leading to the team facing more scrutiny from the Swifties.
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Swift’s fanbase has become more acquainted with the sports world since her courtship and eventual marriage to NFL star Travis Kelce.
Swift is a regular feature at Kansas City Chiefs games, despite living in New York City for the last decade. And while she rented out Madison Square Garden, the home of the Knicks, for her wedding, she no longer engages with the franchise all that much, outside of one courtside appearance during the NBA playoffs.
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