I'm not aware of his history with the Knicks, was he involved when Isiah Thomas was the head coach? I ask because I seem to be the only person on the planet who recalls that back in 1987 during the playoffs between the Pistons and the Celtics, Thomas gave an interview in which he complained about how the media fawned over Larry Bird, "... if Bird were black, he'd be just another good guy." His contention, the press was hyping Bird due to race and not ability, the same kind of comment Rush made about McNabb.
There was no hue and cry, no one, no *white celebrities* attempted to have Thomas kicked out of the NBA, he was not denied his chance at a championship ring later, he was not barred from being head coach of the Knicks. Once again it is demonstrated, racism only goes one way.
Checketts was President and CEO of the Knicks from 1991 to 1999 (I think). During his tenure he was also made CEO of Madison Square Garden which covered the Knicks, the Rangers, The New York Liberty, Radio City among others. He was generally criticized for not winning much regardless of the very high payrolls of his teams. He has also been attacked for his somewhat callous firing of GM Ernie Grunfeld, a NY favorite.