NYPD won't support Knicks watch parties outside Madison Square Garden after unruly behavior, arrests

As the Knicks continue their playoff run, the New York City Police Department says it won't support more watch parties outside Madison Square Garden due to unruly behavior.

The games have been shown on large outdoor screens on 33rd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues. The watch parties are free to attend, and have drawn huge crowds. According to the NYPD, about 6,000 people attended the watch party Thursday night for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The NYPD said at Thursday's watch party, some attendees jumped over police barriers, threw things into the crowd, blocked vehicle traffic on multiple streets, and climbed on top of subway entrances. There were also reports of public drinking. Six people were arrested.

"This is not about having enough of the unruly fans - this is about keeping people safe," an NYPD spokesperson said in a statement, in part.

City Councilmember Oswald Feliz, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, spoke out against the decision Saturday.

"Public safety has to be a top priority, but this is a city with a lot of resources," he said, "and we should be able to have these events and, at the same time, be able to have them in a safe way and also in a successful way."

Dr. Darrin Porcher, a former NYPD lieutenant who spent 20 years with the department, said he doesn't think the NYPD made the right call.

"It baffles me that the permit has been denied for 6,000 people because this is something that the NYPD has been doing for years on end," he said.

Some fans said they understand the decision and that a few bad apples are ruining the fun for everyone.

"It kinda sucks, but I honestly get it," fan Joe Raguso said. "I understand partying, having fun. This is a special time of year. But once you start fighting, that's not cool, man. We all gotta love each other. We're the Knicks. We're all together right now."

"It kind of sucks because this fan base is hungry," fan Shaughnessy Moody said. "We haven't won a championship in over 50 years."

"Everybody is just trying to have fun. They're enjoying the Knicks season," fan Nick Malacary said.

Police said they will review requests to hold watch parties at other locations, such as SummerStage in Central Park.