Controversy Surrounding Islanders Fundraiser
The New York Islanders have sparked controversy by promoting a fundraiser during a recent game to benefit a former police sergeant who received a manslaughter conviction. Erik Duran was sentenced last week to serve three to nine years behind bars after his actions contributed to the tragic death of Eric Duprey, a 30-year-old who lost control while attempting to evade arrest.
Fundraiser Details
During a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, the hockey team’s jumbotron displayed a message encouraging fans to support Duran’s legal defense, featuring his photo along with a QR code for direct donations. The Sergeants Benevolent Association, of which Duran is a member, urged attendees to join “the fight for justice” on behalf of Duran. Additionally, the Islanders announced they would allocate a portion of the funds from their 50/50 raffle — which generated $44,890 — toward this initiative, as confirmed on the team’s website.
Reactions to the Fundraiser
Vallelong, the union’s president, explained that the fundraiser was organized after a tip-off from The New York Post informing him of the Islanders’ interest in supporting Duran. However, this alignment with the convicted sergeant has drawn sharp criticism, especially from Duprey’s family.
Jon Roberts, representing Duprey’s relatives, expressed their dismay, stating in a released statement that the hockey team’s actions create an overall negative impact by potentially undermining trust in the judicial process and intensifying the family’s grief.
Background of the Case
The incident that led to Duran’s conviction occurred during a covert drug operation in the Bronx in 2023, during which he threw a cooler of ice at Duprey as he fled on a scooter, resulting in Duprey’s fatal crash into a tree. Duran’s conviction in February has been met with backlash from fellow law enforcement officers who argue that it could hinder police from effectively performing their duties and compromise public safety. This case marks a rare instance of an NYPD officer facing prison time for an act committed while on duty; Duran’s lawyer has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.
Defending the Fundraiser
In a statement regarding the fundraiser, Vallelong remarked on the unexpected nature of the support from the hockey arena, emphasizing that the noise of applause erupted when Duran’s image was displayed. He defended the Islanders’ right to undertake such fundraising efforts, comparing it to military tributes often seen in professional sports. While he did not disclose how much money was specifically raised for Duran’s legal defense, the union continues to rally support for the former officer.
