Islanders Criticized for Fundraising Promotion Supporting Ex-NYPD Officer Convicted of Manslaughter

The hockey team's jumbotron promotion urged fans to donate to the legal defense of a former sergeant who was recently sentenced for causing a man's death.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered plastic or glass object, such as a broken cooler or scooter part, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and tragedy at the heart of this story.The Islanders' controversial fundraiser for a convicted ex-officer highlights the ongoing tensions over police accountability and use of force.NYC Today

The New York Islanders hockey team is facing backlash for a jumbotron promotion during a recent home game that urged fans to donate to the legal defense fund of Erik Duran, a former NYPD sergeant who was recently convicted of manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a man who later died. The promotion, which included a QR code for direct donations and a promise that a portion of 50/50 raffle proceeds would go to Duran's defense, has angered the family of the victim, Eric Duprey.

Why it matters

The Islanders' decision to publicly support Duran's legal defense has been criticized as undermining public confidence in the judicial process and deepening the pain of Duprey's family. The case is significant as it marks the first time in at least two decades that an NYPD officer will serve prison time for an on-duty death, raising concerns from police unions about the impact on officer morale and public safety.

The details

Surveillance footage showed that in 2023, Duran, who was a narcotics officer at the time, threw a bystander's cooler full of drinks and ice at Duprey as he was fleeing on a motorized scooter during an undercover drug bust in the Bronx. The impact of the cooler caused Duprey to crash into a tree and die almost instantly. Duran was convicted of manslaughter in February and sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison, drawing fierce protests from police officers who argued it would discourage officers from doing their jobs.

  • In 2023, Duran was involved in an undercover drug bust in the Bronx where the incident occurred.
  • In February 2026, Duran was convicted of manslaughter.
  • Last week, Duran was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison for the conviction.
  • On April 15, 2026, the Islanders held a jumbotron promotion during a home game urging fans to donate to Duran's legal defense fund.

The players

Erik Duran

A former New York City police sergeant who was recently convicted of manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a man fleeing arrest, causing the man's death.

Eric Duprey

A 30-year-old man who died after Duran threw a cooler at him as he was fleeing an undercover drug bust in 2023.

Sergeants Benevolent Association

The police union that requested fans join 'the fight for justice' for Duran and organized the fundraiser promotion with the Islanders.

Vincent Vallelong

The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, who said the fundraiser promotion 'came out of left field' and dismissed criticism of the Islanders' decision.

Jon Roberts

The attorney for Duprey's family, who said they were 'deeply troubled' by the Islanders' decision to align with efforts supporting Duran's legal defense.

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What they’re saying

“This was not a neutral act. 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.”

— Jon Roberts, Attorney for Duprey family

“They're a private organization. They can do whatever they want.”

— Vincent Vallelong, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association

What’s next

Duran's attorney has said he will appeal the manslaughter conviction and sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the public over accountability for officer-involved deaths, as well as the challenges of balancing free speech and private business decisions with sensitivity to victims' families and public trust in the justice system.