“From the Stands” is a periodic SportsRantNY feature where our followers get to wax poetic about the teams, moments, and memories that shaped their lives as fans. These essays are written by real New Yorkers who live and die with the teams that represent our city and the greater metropolitan area.
This is a story about my brother. An unedited version was written and posted on my Facebook page at 4p on June 13, 2026, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
I grew up in Hollis Queens with my Mother and my big brother. At this time, I had just graduated High School and Jyme, being seven years older than me, had already finished college, but would still stop by the house often.
I was the biggest Knick fan in the world. At that time, they were a perennial playoff team. That was the 90s Knicks —Starks, Ewing, Mason, Hubert Davis, et. all.
I was going out to hang out with some friends one Sunday afternoon. I got dressed and was preparing to walk out of the house. My brother was sitting on the couch. He said to me, “Keith, before you go…do you mind if I wear your Knicks jersey later tonight?” I responded with vitriol, “No you can’t wear my Knicks jersey.” I got angry at the thought of that. Why would he wanna wear it? He’s not a Knicks fan like I am. Bandwagon dudes get on my nerves!! I told him no, rolled my eyes, then left the house.
That Sunday afternoon was the last time I saw my brother alive. I was at work on Tuesday afternoon when I received the call that my brother had passed away. Those words, “no you can’t wear my Knicks jersey” became the last words I ever said to my brother.
He went out with some friends that night, had a car accident in which he hit his head, went back home, went to sleep and never woke up. He was asleep for two days before anyone knew he was gone.
Among other things I cannot explain to you, was how upset it made me that the last words I ever said to my brother were, “No you can’t wear my Knicks jersey.” To make a long story short, I buried my brother in that damn Knicks jersey.
Which brings us to the present day. several years later, with the Knicks on the verge of an NBA championship. The Knicks have a chance to win an NBA championship, tonight, on June 13, 2026. MY BROTHER’S BIRTHDAY!
I’m sure he’s gonna watch. I’m sure he’ll be rooting for my Knicks. I’m sure he’ll want the best for me and my team, and I’m sure he’ll be wearing that Knicks jersey.
I love you, Jyme. I’ll forever be sorry I didn’t let you wear that jersey when you asked. Please let me know you forgive me…by letting them win this championship, tonight, on June 13th.