Don’t take a side: FS1 Knicks subway ad getting pulled

A somewhat eyebrow-raising ad that perfectly sums up FS1 and its “Embrace Debate” philosophy is already coming down.

In the words of the great American philosopher Ron Burgundy, “Boy, that escalated quickly.” The same day that a bold FS1 subway ad in New York first surfaced calling the Knicks “hopeless” comes word that the wrap is coming down.

The ad actually pushed the FS1 “Embrace Debate” in the most literal way possible, with one side of the subway car emphasizing all of the criticism of the Knicks in recent years and the other focused on the positive view. It’s intended to provoke, especially if all you see is the negative side first.

The question many raised when the ad first started circulating on social media earlier today is whether FS1` was permitted to use the Knicks’ logos, colors and player images so blatantly since the network doesn’t have the broadcast rights to NBA games. Perhaps that was part of the reason ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported that the ad is already being pulled.

"A source said the Knicks, whose logos and players were used in the ad, did not approve the advertising and that it would be taken down by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority."

Still, this reminds one of the way lawyers, particularly the TV variety, ask questions they know the opposition will object to and the judge will ask the jury to ignore. Once the question is out there, it’s human nature for it to stick around in the mind.

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Same thing with the ad, which no one who saw it will soon forget, particularly since Twitter and the like ensure that you don’t need to be near a New York subway to be a witness to it.

Well played, FS1. Maybe.