NBA scandal: Knicks accuse opponent of stealing playbook and more in a ‘criminal’ violation

The New York Knicks are accusing a former employee of stealing confidential information and smuggling it to the Toronto Raptors and new new head coach Darko Rajaković.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, the Knicks allege that Ikechukwu Azotam, a member of the video team who was promoted during his tenure on the staff, sent the Raptors “thousands” of pieces of confidential information, including information about plays, preparation and scouting videos, according to SNY.

The Knicks said that Azotam “illegally procured and disclosed proprietary information” while he was a member of the franchise, according to a statement obtained by SNY’s Ian Begley.

“The New York Knicks have sued the Toronto Raptors and several members of their organization, including a former Knicks employee, after the former employee illegally took thousands of proprietary files with him to his new position with the Toronto Raptors,” the Knicks told the New York Post in a statement.

“These files include confidential information such as play frequency reports, a prep book for the 2022-23 season, video scouting files and materials and more. Given the clear violation of our employment agreement, criminal and civil law, we were left no choice but to take this action.”

MSG Entertainment, the company that owns the Knicks, reportedly informed the Raptors of the violations last week, but the defendants learned the franchise was taking legal action when the lawsuit was filed.

The Raptors released a statement Monday that they were informed of the complaint last week and quickly responded.

“MLSE and the Toronto Raptors received a letter from MSG on Thursday of last week bringing this complaint to our attention. MLSE responded promptly, making clear our intention to conduct an internal investigation and to fully cooperate,” the organization wrote. “MLSE has not been advised that a lawsuit was being filed or has been filed following its correspondence with MSG. The company strongly denies any involvement in the matters alleged. MLSE and the Toronto Raptors will reserve further comment until this matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.”

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