Knicks Fan Yells 'Shut The F--- Up', Others Laugh As New York Mayor Speaks About Dr. King

Knicks fans laughed as someone yelled an expletive during New York City Mayor Eric Adams' speech about Martin Luther King before the game.

Adams shared remarks to honor Dr. King before the New York Knicks took on the Charlotte Hornets Monday.

"We honor the life and times of Dr. King during some of the most difficult moments," Adams said, standing at center court at Madison Square Garden. "When the civil rights battle was on the line Dr. King wanted the ball in his hand and he gave his life to ensure that our country would be a better place for all of us."

Then, someone in the arena shouted "shut the f--k up!" as other fans laughed. Adams continued through his speech. It is unclear whether he heard the jeers from the crowd.

"Right now, we want the ball in our hand again as we deal with COVID, as we deal with crime, as we deal with uncertainty," Adams continued. "Let's win this for team New York and Team America."

The mixed reception at the game may indicate how residents feel about his time as mayor so far.

In his third week in office, Adams faces several challenges, including a rise in COVID-19 cases. While the mayor believes schools should remain open, low attendance rates after winter break could push the city to pivot to remote learning.

Adams has also taken heat recently for his defense of a new law that allows non-citizens to vote in local elections. Many top New York Republicans called the bill "dangerous" and "unconstitutional" and moved to block the legislation with a lawsuit.

The Knicks would go on to end their three-game winning streak with a 97-87 loss to the Hornets.

Some fans online blamed Adams for the loss.

"Eric Adams stepped on that court and then the Knicks got washed," Twitter user @umrivision said.

Twitter user @LeeFeiner said, "this is what happened when you ask Eric Adams to set the tone for an event."

New York Daily News reporter Stefan Bondy said Adam's "swag" was "not enough to rub off on the Knicks."

Before the game began, Adams and National Basketball League (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver presented New York Urban League President and CEO Arva Rice with the Knicks' Community Hero Award before the game.

Later, Adams joined MSG Network game commentators in the booth to talk about being a life-long Knicks fan.

Adams, a Queens native, said he grew up watching the Knicks and legendary players like Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe on the court.

"I love the Knicks and it really instilled the inspiration we need today," he said.