Madison Square Garden boss James Dolan is sticking by disgraced senior VP Joseph Percoco, who has been charged in an Albany pay-to-play scandal.
At least for now.
“These charges have nothing to do with Mr. Percoco’s employment at MSG. We believe Joe is a man of good character and hope to see this matter resolved in a timely manner,” MSG said in a statement.
Percoco is a former top political confidant and aide to Gov. Cuomo.
An Albany insider who has dealt with the Dolans for decades — James and his father, Charles — expects MSG to quietly cut Percoco loose with a buyout or severance package before his criminal case is resolved.
“Jim Dolan didn’t want to look heartless. He personally likes Joe,” the source said.
“I’m sure Joe was helpful on things behind the scenes. But more stuff is going to come out.”
Sources said Friday it was widely believed MSG hired Percoco last December to protect its interests in Albany.
The Dolan family and their heavily regulated businesses are big Cuomo donors, pumping more than $500,000 into his campaigns for statewide office.