Spike Lee Says He’s ‘Done For The Season’ After Madison Square Garden Security Dispute [Video]

Spike Lee appeared on ESPN’s First Take to address his dispute with security guards at Madison Square Garden prior to the Knicks’ game against the Rockets on Monday night. Included in his dialogue with co-hosts Max Kellerman and Stephen A. Smith, Lee claimed, “I’m coming back next year, but I’m done for the season. I’m done.”

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Lee was initially caught on video having an argument with Madison Square Garden security after the Oscar-winning director was told he could not enter the arena through the employees’ entrance and instead would have to use another gate. Lee refused to leave the elevator and eventually went to his normal courtside seat and was seen talking to Knicks’ owner James Dolan at halftime. Lee also said that he was worried about not being able to come back in to the Garden after leaving which is prohibited for all fans.

He told First Take that he’d be entering the arena through the employees’ entrance for 28 years and never asked for special treatment. After his comments, the Knicks Public Relations Twitter account released the following statement:

“The idea that Spike Lee is a victim because we have repeatedly asked him to not use our employee entrance and instead use a dedicated VIP entrance — which is used by every other celebrity who enters The Garden — is laughable,” the statement claimed. “It’s disappointing that Spike would create this false controversy to perpetuate drama. He is welcome to come to The Garden anytime via the VIP or general entrance; just not through our employee entrance, which is what he and Jim agreed to last night when they shook hands.”