Spike Lee is a “code two” while Ben Stiller gets VIP treatment.
But dare to criticize James Dolan online and MSG’s facial recognition system might permanently ban you like Michael Rapaport (code five) or flag you for a security “conversation” about your social media posts.
Think “Minority Report” meets Knicks Twitter.
Thanks to Reid Hoffman and Greg Beato for mentioning this in their book “Superagency”.
And for a deeper dive on this subject, the story seems to have been broken by Ethan Strauss of House of Strauss here: “When James Dolan Has You in His Sights” (you have to pay to read that).
Here’s The Riche Eisen Show talking about the topic:
Watch “MSG’s Secret Facial Recognition System”
You can watch this for free by clicking the video embed from The Rich Eisen Show above.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 88/100
- IMDB Rating: na
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na
Release Date: January 12, 2023
My Review of “MSG’s Secret Facial Recognition System”
The Setup
A story this bizarre feels ripped from dystopian fiction.
Ethan Strauss reports that MSG (which includes Madison Square Garden, Beacon Theater, Radio City, and other Dolan-owned venues) is using facial recognition technology to classify fans into a six-level code system based on their perceived threat to Dolan’s ego and empire.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- Fans have reportedly been flagged for writing “Sell the team” on James Dolan’s band’s Facebook page.
- Michael Rapaport is allegedly banned (Code 5), and lawyers who’ve sued Dolan have been denied entry to Radio City Music Hall.
More Highlights from the Doc
- MSG’s facial recognition system assigns fans a code level from 0 to 5.
- Level 1 is for VIPs like Ben Stiller and Hank Azaria. Level 5? Permanent ban.
- Spike Lee, a lifelong Knicks superfan, is reportedly a “Code 2” or “Code 3” due to his public standoff with MSG security over using a side entrance.
- “Code 3” fans are greeted by security just to let them know: We know you’re here.
- The MSG legal team reportedly attends every event, ready to confront flagged guests.
- One man said every time he goes to a Rangers or Knicks game, he gets harassed because of a single Facebook comment.
Cameos
- Michael Rapaport is the most prominent “Code 5” fan mentioned.
- Ben Stiller and Hank Azaria are referenced as top-tier “Code 1” guests.
- Rich Eisen himself might be flagged after covering this story (he jokes about being a Code 2).
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- The code system reportedly includes six levels, but only Level 1 is positive—everyone else is on thin ice.
- Fans being approached by “senior leadership” or even cops if they’re high-risk (Level 5).
- James Dolan’s company once flagged a woman lawyer simply for being part of a firm involved in litigation against MSG—she was denied entry to her daughter’s dance recital at Radio City.
- MSG’s use of facial recognition was originally introduced under the guise of “safety.”
Wrap Up
If you’re even a casual Knicks or Rangers fan, this segment might blow your mind. It’s like Orwell set up security at the Garden.
But this could also be a taste of the future at most venues.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc