Angie Baez, a New York Knicks fan, gained attention after a video showed her taking a Knicks-themed trash can during the team’s championship parade. The video went viral as she was seen wearing Knicks gear and dumping the can’s contents onto the street while being filmed by bystanders. She then took the emptied can with her on the subway, smiling as she did so.

Vincent Gragnani, spokesperson for the New York City Department of Sanitation, stated that Baez returned the trash can on Wednesday and was fined $175 for littering and obstructing sanitation operations. However, her actions led to further repercussions. A JPMorgan Chase spokeswoman confirmed that Baez, who held the position of executive director for community and industry engagement, was no longer with the company.

Baez did not comment on the incident as it spread across various media outlets, receiving strong reactions online, especially regarding her role in diversity programming. The Knicks-themed trash cans had been placed along the parade route, prompting some fans to speculate they would be taken as official merchandise sold out quickly.

After the can’s return, the sanitation department shared a social media post featuring the trash can with graphics saying, “Welcome Back!” and “We Missed You!” Garnering over 25,000 likes, the post highlighted the community’s interest.

Meaghan Chillianis, COO for OnlyNY, explained that the company partnered with the sanitation department to sell both full-size and miniature versions of the trash cans. Their goal was to commemorate the city’s championship season meaningfully. The full-size cans are priced at $168, while the mini cans cost $58. Chillianis emphasized that their creation was not driven by the viral incident but aimed to honor sanitation workers who keep the city functioning during major events and routine days alike.

The New York Police Department noted that it was not pursuing an investigation into the matter.