Islanders Promote Fundraiser for Convicted NYPD Officer

The New York Islanders drew scrutiny during their season finale on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes at UBS Arena on Long Island, where the jumbotron displayed a promotion urging fans to donate to the legal defense fund of former NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran, who was recently convicted of manslaughter in the 2023 death of a fleeing suspect.

The display featured a photo of Duran, a QR code linking to the fundraiser organized by the Sergeants Benevolent Association, and a message calling on supporters to join the "fight for justice." The team also committed a portion of proceeds from its 50/50 raffle, which raised $44,890, to the fund. According to the association's president, Vincent Vallelong, the promotion originated after Islanders officials expressed interest in supporting Duran, leading to coordination with the union. Vallelong, who attended the game alongside Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky, described the effort as focused on Duran's family and broader implications for law enforcement. He noted that the crowd applauded when the message appeared on the screen.

The incident underlying Duran's conviction occurred in August 2023 during an undercover narcotics operation in the...