Jeremy Lin is not only rallying New York City and the Knicks, but the 23-year old underdog's "Linsanity" is taking the nation by storm. However, the sweeping trend that is Linsanity has its detractors among other athletes.
Boxer Floyd Mayweather took to Twitter to denounce Linsanity's epic surge, claiming he is only getting attention because he is Asian.
"Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he's Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don't get the same praise," Tweeted Mayweather.
Lin's agent, Roger Montgomery, did not issue any statement or offer any comment, according to ESPN. Mayweather then took to Twitter to respond to alleged criticisms he received as a result of the Tweet.
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"Its OK for ESPN to give their opinion but I say something and everyone questions Floyd Mayweather," he wrote. "Other countries get to support/cheer their athletes and everything is fine. As soon as I support Black American athletes, I get criticized.
"I'm speaking my mind on behalf of other NBA players. They are programmed to be politically correct and will be penalized if they speak up."
Lin became the first player in the National Basketball Association to have at least 20 points and seven assists in his four career starts, reported ESPN. Lin is also the first Chinese-American player to be play in the NBA. Lin's parents emigrated from Taiwan to California in the 1970s.
Linsanity also has had other affects. Shares of Madison Square Garden Co. reached an all-time high, reported the Associated Press. Since Lin has become part of the starting five, the Knicks have been on a five game win streak, which means higher profit for MSG.
"Rangers and Knicks fans do tend to buy the stock when the teams are doing well," said Miller Tabak analyst David Joyce, according to AP.
MSG said that ratings could also be up, nearly 52 percent, since Lin started playing. Saturday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves was the most-watched Knick game of the season.
The Knicks will test their skills tonight as against the Toronto Raptors.
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