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Knicks fans face backlash over chant directed at Wembanyama during parade

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 6:16 AM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Knicks fans face backlash over chant directed at Wembanyama during parade

Summary

Following the New York Knicks' championship parade on June 18, fans faced criticism for chanting an explicit anti-Victor Wembanyama message. The parade celebrated the franchise's first title since 1973 and featured players and celebrities in Lower Manhattan. While some dismissed the chant as typical behavior, others condemned it as inappropriate. The Knicks had just secured victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, which added tension around Wembanyama’s involvement, especially after a lack of post-series handshakes. Online reactions varied, with some labeling the fans' actions as 'classless.'

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Knicks parade celebrated team's first title in 53 years.
•Fans directed an explicit chant at Victor Wembanyama.
•Reactions on social media range from dismissive to critical.
•Knicks defeated Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals.
•Celebration featured players and celebrities in Lower Manhattan.

Latest Updates

6:16 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Classless’ chant leaves Knicks fans facing criticism during championship parade

What they're saying

"
The Knicks’ championship parade was meant to be a day of pure celebration, but one chant directed at Victor Wembanyama quickly divided opinion online. New York’s title parade took place on June 18, with the team and fans moving through Lower Manhattan and the famous Canyon of Heroes.
— Yahoo Sports

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New York Knicks San Antonio Spurs NBA Basketball