Nets say "we don't pursue celebrities"

The New York Times wrote last week about the elaborate --and somewhat mysterious-- manner in which celebrities are recruited to attend Knicks games at Madison Square Garden, a symbiotic relationship that aims to benefit both --and the Cablevision charities.

Of course, there are "A-List" celebrities like Woody Allen and of course Spike Lee who are long-time season ticket holders. (Tom Brokaw had seats had seats for years, but got so disgusted by the Dolans' management he famously decided against renewal in 2008.)

Seeing an opportunity, the Nets spoke to the Post about their celebrity policy. Why not? The Nets didn't have to lure one of the world's biggest celebrities, Paul McCartney, to Barclays on December 16 to watch Joe Johnson score 29 points in one quarter. Then he showed up in London to cheer them on again!

“We don’t pursue celebrities to attend Nets games,’’ Barry Baum, the team’s chief communications officer, told the Post. “It’s not our style. Celebrities that do come to Nets games pay for their seats. Whether you’re in the front row or last row, we treat everybody like a celebrity. We love when they come. But we won’t actively pursue them.’’

McCartney did pay for his own seats, we are told, while Rihanna and other celebs often use Jay-Z's front row tickets next to the Nets bench.

• Nets aren’t celeb stalkers - Justin Terranova - New York Post