Sports For Ray, a coalition of former and current athletes, team owners, nonprofit leaders and others are endorsing Ray McGuire for New York City Mayor.
In an open letter, the group says like every other New York City resident, they long for a New York where it will be safe to gather and cheer for the city’s teams whether it be in Little League or playing professionally.
“And, with Ray McGuire guiding us, we know that is exactly the New York we will have,” the letter states. “Politics as usual simply will not cut it in our post-COVID New York. We need an audacious vision that will look beyond the same old tired political solutions and approaches. We need someone new calling plays for the five boroughs. That is why we choose Ray.”
The group also touted The McGuire Comeback Plan as an innovative blueprint to inject life back into New York City, make the economy more inclusive, and foster small businesses. Under the plan, McGuire will send immediate relief to small businesses in the city, create 500,000 jobs, at least half of which will be in small businesses and work with unions to ensure good wages and benefits.
“We want to see New York thrive again — and we know that Ray McGuire is the man to get us back on track. Together, from across the diverse spectrum of sport in New York City, we choose Ray,” the letter stated.
The letter was signed by former and current professional athletes including former Knicks center Patrick Ewing, former Giants running back Tiki Barber, Orlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony, NFL lawyer Annie Pell and Laurie Tisch, the sister of Giants Executive Vice President Steve Tisch.
McGuire is one of more than 20 candidates vying for mayor including Andrew Yang, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, and many others.