Knicks reportedly duped employees with championship ring email that was actually a phishing test

The New York Knicks went on one of the more euphoric championships in NBA history earlier this year. It was an unforgettable playoff run that ended a 53-year title drought. But a lot of the news surrounding the team since then has had a different tone.

Whether it's been owner James Dolan's hard-line stance against going into the second apron costing the team key reserve Mitchell Robinson or contentious extension negotiations with multiple starters getting tabled before the season, the vibes surrounding New York's championship defense are significantly more dour than they were even a few months ago.

And, on Thursday, The Athletic reported that the issues haven't just been confined to the roster.

While Knicks players received their championship rings on Tuesday before their season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the rest of the organization appears to still be waiting. Knicks assistant coaches reportedly did not receive their rings on Tuesday night despite being handed (apparently empty) boxes during the ring ceremony. While the assistants' reactions to not getting their rings reportedly ranged "from genuine anger to annoyance," The Athletic noted that not all assistant coaching staffs, including last year's Oklahoma City Thunder, get their rings on opening night.

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/