The New York Knicks’ 2026 NBA championship parade brought millions of fans to the streets of Manhattan, but one fan’s actions during the celebration have sparked controversy and led to significant consequences.
Angie Báez, a 40-year-old executive at JPMorgan Chase, was identified as the woman in a viral video that showed her emptying and taking a Knicks-themed trash can from the parade route. The incident, which occurred on June 18, has since led to her termination from the banking giant and fines from the New York City Department of Sanitation.
The Incident and Its Immediate Aftermath
The video, which has amassed millions of views on social media, shows Báez lifting the orange and blue trash can and dumping its contents onto the sidewalk before walking away with it. The trash can was one of several special-edition bins placed by the Department of Sanitation to commemorate the Knicks’ first NBA championship in over 50 years.
The Department of Sanitation issued two summonses to Báez, one for littering and another for impeding DSNY operations. The fines, totaling $175, are the maximum allowed by law for first offenses. The department also expressed disapproval of her actions, stating that dumping trash onto the street and stealing public property for personal use are both illegal and antisocial behaviors.
The Impact on Báez’s Career
Báez, who held the title of Executive Director of Community and Industry Engagement for Card and Connected Commerce at JPMorgan Chase, was no longer employed by the company as of June 20. A spokesperson for Chase confirmed her termination, stating that this employee is no longer with the company.
Before her role at Chase, Báez worked as Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Infatuation, a New York-based restaurant-review website. She was praised for her work in making the food-media industry more equitable and was described as one of the space’s brightest voices. Báez also co-founded Same Page Co., a talent agency focused on improving representation and equity across media and industry.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The incident drew widespread criticism on social media, with many users expressing outrage at Báez’s actions. Comments ranged from calling her behavior disgusting and incredibly stupid to questioning her ethics and morality. Some users even suggested that she should be charged with petit larceny and littering.
The trash-can saga was just one of several chaotic moments that unfolded during the Knicks’ parade celebrations. Other incidents included a fight between two fans over a viewing spot and Knicks player Tyler Kolek briefly leaving the team bus to interact with supporters before being stopped by officers.
The Department of Sanitation confirmed that the trash can was returned to the city on June 20, with a social media post welcoming it back. However, the incident has left a lasting impact on Báez’s career and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of actions taken in the heat of the moment.
