New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek is walking back some wild comments about Taylor Swift, admitting he totally misjudged her fandom after calling her the “fakest” celebrity Knicks fan. The guy threw a grenade onto the NBA 2K League TikTok account, saying her support during their championship run was “a little performative,” and let me tell you, the Swifties did *not* let that slide. He found himself in hot water real quick.
The “Fakest Fan” Jab That Blew Up
Kolek’s original take was that Swift’s allegiance was just for show. But apparently, he hadn’t done his homework. After feeling the full wrath of her fanbase, Kolek owned up to his mistake. “Obviously with everything (going on), people have been going back and sending me all the stuff about her going to the games,” Kolek said Saturday after the Knicks’ 109-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. He even admitted, “She was actually wearing a 13 jersey (in one picture). Probably Joakim Noah back in the day with Carmelo (Anthony). So, I wasn’t up to date on my Taylor Swift Knicks fandom, so that’s on me.” That’s a serious mea culpa right there. It wasn’t just Kolek feeling the heat, either. His comments prompted the *Knicks themselves* to drop an official statement! They had to clarify, saying, “Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization.” You know it’s a mess when the team has to issue a press release about a pop star’s fandom.
The Locker Room DJ Had Other Plans
And if you thought the team statement was the end of it, think again. The Knicks apparently decided Kolek needed a full immersion experience. Fred Katz noted that after Friday’s practice and Saturday’s win, the Knicks’ locker room was absolutely *blasting* Swift’s songs. They hit him with “Shake It Off” and then followed up with “You Belong With Me.” Can you imagine? Kolek’s initial jab was everywhere, he said, “Everybody saw it. But it is what it is. For me, it’s just a question that was asked to me that maybe I answered in the wrong way. I take that on the chin. But I love her music. We were just playing it five minutes ago and I’m singing every word to every song. Nothing against her at all.” Talk about a public correction.
Kolek is definitely trying to avoid any more conflict with the Swifties. He claims he’s one of them now, saying, “I love her music. I probably know more songs than anybody else in the locker room. I just misspoke.” Hey, we’ve all been there, said something without the full picture. But when you’re a public figure, and you’re talking about someone with a fanbase as dedicated as Taylor Swift’s, you better be sure of your facts. Maybe next time, a quick Google search before hitting record, huh?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply