The NY Islanders are facing backlash after partaking in fundraiser for recently convicted NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran

The NY Islanders have been under scrutiny for the past two months after a late-season collapse kept them out of the postseason. But now, the organization is facing widespread backlash after hosting a fundraiser in their season finale for recently convicted NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran.

Duran, 38, was recently convicted of manslaughter in the Bronx, killing 30-year-old Eric Duprey. Duran threw a cooler of drinks towards Duprey, who was riding an electric scooter, causing the victim to crash into a tree, resulting in his death.

NY Islanders face backlash for support of conviceted NYPD Sergeant

Last night, the Islanders donated a portion of their 50/50 raffle towards Duran's legal defense, urging fans to join in "the fight for justice."

"The Islanders called and wanted to set up something and give up a certain amount of the proceeds from the game," said Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, according to John Asbury of Newsday. "The place went crazy when that was announced."

While Vallelong fully supported the Islanders' participation in assisting in Duran's fight, Jon Roberts, an attorney for Duprey's family, did not share the same sentiment, stating the family was "deeply troubled by the decision of the New York Islanders to align themselves, even symbolically, with efforts that appear to support Sgt. Duran's legal defense."

Other advocates have spoken out about their displeasure with Islanders for supporting Duran, including local civil rights activists.

"If the Islanders want to engage in the public debate of taking this life, they need to stop playing hockey and run for office," Long Island Civil Rights advocate Frederick Brewington said. "They need to engage in societal concerns that impact all communities. They need to address what’s going on in society to talk about what creates a set of circumstances that makes our society better."

Duran, convicted of manslaughter on Feb. 6, was sentenced to 3-9 years in prison on April 6.

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