Free basketball camp hosted by former Knicks player moved due to threat by Turkish consulate
Posted: Updated:An NBA player claims that threats from the Turkish consulate has forced one of his free camps on Long Island to be moved.
Former New York Knick Enes Kanter was supposed to hold the camp at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury this weekend.
"The Turkish consulate actually came to the mosque and threatened the leaders and said 'if you do a basketball camp with Enes Kanter, then you guys are not allowed to get into Turkey anymore,'" Kanter said.
Rep. Peter King says he was "very disappointed" that the Islamic Center backed down from the Turkish government.
Mike Balboni, spokesman for the mosque, tells News 12 that nobody at the Islamic Center was threatened. He says the event was postponed, not canceled because it started to become about politics.
The current Boston Celtic was on Capitol Hill Wednesday meeting with legislators about Turkey and how he can safely travel out of the country for NBA games. Kanter's Turkish passport was canceled two years ago and officials there have issued an arrested warrant for him after his criticism of the country's president.
Rep. Kathleen Rice asked Island Garden in West Hempstead if they would host the camp once it was no longer taking place at the Islamic Center.
"This is a great thing as far as I'm concerned," said Island Garden Executive Director Jim Fox, "We're very happy to have him."
Kanter says there will likely be security on site, and Fox says he will let police know about the event so everyone feels safe.
News 12 is still waiting to hear from the Turkish consulate regarding the incident.
NewsMore>>
Police: 2 men injured in hit-and-run in a Westbury parking lot
Police: 2 men injured in hit-and-run in a Westbury parking lot
Police in Nassau are searching for the hit-and-run driver who struck two men in a Westbury parking lot, leaving one of them with serious internal injuries.
Police in Nassau are searching for the hit-and-run driver who struck two men in a Westbury parking lot, leaving one of them with serious internal injuries.
Police in Nassau are searching for the hit-and-run driver who struck two men in a Westbury parking lot, leaving one of them with serious internal injuries.Police in Nassau are searching for the hit-and-run driver who struck two men in a Westbury parking lot, leaving one of them with serious internal injuries.Community leaders rally behind Freeport man who was an alleged victim of police brutality
Community leaders rally behind Freeport man who was an alleged victim of police brutality
The alleged victim of police brutality was at the Nassau County courthouse in Mineola Friday for a follow-up appearance days after a video of his arrest by Freeport officers went viral.The alleged victim of police brutality was at the Nassau County courthouse in Mineola Friday for a follow-up appearance days after a video of his arrest by Freeport officers went viral.Staple in Freeport skyline for 90 years reduced to rubble
Staple in Freeport skyline for 90 years reduced to rubble
A building that was part of the Freeport skyline for 90 years has now been reduced to rubble.A building that was part of the Freeport skyline for 90 years has now been reduced to rubble.Police respond to domestic incident in Center Moriches
Police respond to domestic incident in Center Moriches
There was a major police presence on William Street in Center Moriches Friday.There was a major police presence on William Street in Center Moriches Friday.Uber reports more than 3,000 sexual assaults on 2018 rides
Uber reports more than 3,000 sexual assaults on 2018 rides
Uber, as part of a long anticipated safety report, revealed that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during its U.S. rides in 2018.
Uber, as part of a long anticipated safety report, revealed that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during its U.S. rides in 2018.
Uber, as part of a long anticipated safety report, revealed that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during its U.S. rides in 2018.Uber, as part of a long anticipated safety report, revealed that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported during its U.S. rides in 2018.
SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Dog Day Fridays for Dec. 6
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
Manny is a 5-month-old male, Lab/Spaniel mix from Texas. He's an extremely playful, energetic and bouncy pup. He would thrive in a high energy home!
This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.This week's dogs are up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 2259 River Road Calverton, NY 11933. Their phone number is 631-727-5731.Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
Chinese lantern festival lights up the sky above Citi Field for the holiday season
A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.A new lantern festival has taken over Citi Field, lighting up the sky starting Friday.Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
Your Long Island 2019 Holiday Photos
From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!From sparking holiday lights to fun Santa photos, News 12 wants to see your holiday photos!2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.The 87th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 in New York.Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Your December 2019 Storm Photos
Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!Do you have photos of the winter storm from the December 2019 storm? We want to see!