### Lawyer Banned from MSG Venues **John Scola**, a lawyer known for representing local police officers, has been banned from **Madison Square Garden** and other venues owned by **James Dolan**. This ban stems from Scola representing a New York cop who sustained injuries during a private security gig at MSG. For years, Dolan has openly excluded entire law firms involved in legal disputes with the Garden, enforcing these bans with a sophisticated facial recognition system. A letter to Scola, dated April 30 and reviewed by WIRED, indicates that this practice is ongoing, revoking any tickets to MSG venues. ### Surveillance and Public Servants The ban underscores the complex relationship between New York City's public servants and its iconic arena. As previously reported, MSG's security has acted as an unsanctioned surveillance force in midtown Manhattan, without formal permission from the **New York Police Department (NYPD)**. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed concern over this expansion and promised further investigation. Dolan claims the biometric surveillance system is to prevent dangerous individuals from entering his properties. However, the NYPD does not share facial recognition or other data with the Garden. Despite this, MSG has added a New York police officer’s photo to its facial recognition database. New York Attorney General **Letitia James** stated that her office is closely reviewing the latest reporting on Madison Square Garden surveillance tactics. ### The Incident and the Lawsuit The case originates from an incident in February 2025 during a boxing match at MSG's then-named Hulu Theater. **NYPD** veteran John Przybyszewski, working a paid detail, was injured while responding to a scuffle involving rapper **Lil Tjay**. The lawsuit claims Przybyszewski sustained significant cervical and lumbar spine injuries. Przybyszewski is suing both Lil Tjay and Madison Square Garden, alleging that the venue's operational decisions placed him in harm's way. Scola filed the suit in February of this year. ### MSG's Response Madison Square Garden did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment. A lawyer representing Lil Tjay also did not respond. Five weeks after Scola filed the lawsuit, MSG announced a “Thank You, NYPD” event, featuring Cyndi Lauper and John Fogerty. Rapper Fat Joe and comedian Tracy Morgan also participated. Przybyszewski hopes to return to paid detail work, potentially even at the Garden, while Scola remains unfazed by the ban, stating his priority is representing his client.