On Wednesday, the New York Post reported that former ESPN NBA analyst Mark Jackson would not be calling select New York Knicks games on MSG Networks after team president Leon Rose raised an objection to the potential hire. Jackson and the regional sports network had reportedly come to terms on a deal, but the team did not approve of him being able to travel on the team’s chartered plane or stay in the designated hotel.
Had he been on the air with MSG Networks, Jackson would have reportedly made no extra money, instead being paid an offset of what was still owed to him from ESPN. Prior to the 2023-24 season, Jackson and colleague Jeff Van Gundy were laid off by ESPN in a round of talent cuts that have resulted in a new lead broadcast booth consisting of Doris Burke and Doc Rivers, along with play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.
In a video posted to Instagram, Jackson refuted part of the reporting from the New York Post, stating that he turned the job down over a week ago because it did not contain the ideal conditions, nor was it the ideal time for him. Within his remarks, he acknowledged that he was contacted to comment on the situation four times but neglected to do so, instead hoping the situation would dissolve itself.
According to the report, part of the rationale for Mark Jackson being excluded from the team on road trips dates back to his time as head coach of the Golden State Warriors. While leading the team, he discovered that assistant coach Darren Erman had been secretly taping him and players without their knowledge. As a result, Jackson fired Erman, who currently serves as an assistant coach on the Knicks staff, and went on to refer to his actions as “inexcusable.”
“Come on man, come on,” Jackson said. “At some point, the lies have got to stop. The lies have got to stop. I’ve sat back year after year after year listening to lies questioning me as a man and my integrity. What I stand for; what I was raised on – that’s been questioned.”
Within his remarks, Jackson stated that he had dreamt of calling Knicks games and that it would have fulfilled a lifelong dream. During his NBA career, he had two separate stints with the Knicks where he attained Rookie of the Year honors and an All-Star selection. Jackson emphasized that he continues to have a connection with the Knicks, stating that he continues to bleed blue and orange, and conveyed optimism about what could come down the road.
“Over a week ago, I turned the job down,” Mark Jackson said. “Forever grateful, and again, you never know what the future holds, but I want to thank you.”
