NEW YORK — The New York Islanders hockey organization is under fire after displaying a controversial fundraising appeal on their arena’s big screen during Tuesday night’s match against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The promotional display featured former New York Police Department sergeant Erik Duran, who recently received a three to nine-year prison sentence for manslaughter in connection with the death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey.
Arena attendees saw Duran’s photograph alongside a scannable code allowing direct contributions to his legal defense fund. The Sergeants Benevolent Association provided messaging encouraging supporters to join what they called “the fight for justice.” Additionally, the hockey franchise committed to donating 25% of their evening’s 50/50 raffle earnings to support Duran’s cause, union officials confirmed.
Vincent Vallelong, who leads the police union, explained that The New York Post contacted him about the Islanders organization “wanting to do something” to help Duran.
Team representatives chose not to provide statements regarding the matter. The Post also did not respond to media inquiries.
Legal counsel for Duprey’s relatives, Jon Roberts, expressed their family’s distress over the hockey team’s choice to support Duran’s defense efforts, even in a symbolic capacity.
“This was not a neutral act,” Roberts stated. “It sends a message — intended or not — that risks undermining public confidence in a fair legal process and deepens the pain of a family still grieving.”
National Hockey League officials have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The fatal incident occurred during a 2023 undercover narcotics operation in the Bronx involving Duran and fellow officers.
Video evidence captured Duran grabbing a nearby cooler containing beverages and ice, then hurling it toward Duprey as he attempted to escape on a motorized scooter. The thrown cooler caused Duprey to collide with a tree, resulting in his immediate death.
February’s guilty verdict against the former sergeant sparked significant demonstrations from law enforcement personnel and supporters who claimed such prosecutions would discourage police work and compromise community safety. This marks the first instance in approximately twenty years where an NYPD officer will serve prison time for a death occurring during official duties. Defense attorneys plan to challenge the conviction.
Union leader Vallelong described the fundraising opportunity at the professional hockey venue as unexpected, saying it “came out of left field.”
Published images from The New York Post show Vallelong photographed with Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky and newspaper executive Pat Judge at the Long Island arena.
According to Vallelong, spectators responded enthusiastically when Duran’s image appeared on the scoreboard display. He defended the hockey organization’s fundraising decision against detractors.
“They’re a private organization. They can do whatever they want,” Vallelong said, comparing the promotion to military appreciation events common in professional athletics.
Vallelong refused to disclose the total amount collected for Duran’s legal fund. The evening’s 50/50 raffle generated $44,890 according to the team’s official website.
